Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Canvas. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. When an assessment is started, students are locked into it until they submit it for grading.
When you launch the LockDown Browser, it will check to make sure you are running the latest version. If prompted to update, please click "Yes". This will help ensure you have a problem-free experience.
This download is for personal, non-managed devices. On ODU-managed computers, download the software from the Company Portal (Windows) or Jamf Self Service (Mac).
Available to
- Students
- Faculty
- Staff
Where to get it
- Available for download above for personal, non-managed devices.
- On ODU-managed computers, download the software from the Company Portal (Windows) or Jamf Self Service (Mac).
Platform requirements
- Windows
- macOS
- Chromebook (Download the LockDown Browser Extension from the Chrome web store.)
For Instructors: Using Respondus LockDown Browser with Canvas
Respondus is a tool for creating and managing exams that can be printed to paper or published directly to Canvas. Respondus locks down the testing environment within Canvas. When an assessment is started, students are locked in and unable to print, copy, go to another URL or access other applications until they submit their exam for grading.
After enabling Respondus protections on a test, the instructor should not modify the following test options settings:
- Test Name
- Open Test in New Window option
- Require a password checkbox and password field (Respondus uses these options to protect your test.)
If these settings are modified, the test's protections will break and an "Error" message will appear in the instructor Respondus LockDown Browser Dashboard.
Important Note: Respondus LockDown Browser will prompt you to update whenever there is an update available. It is important that you select "Yes" to ensure that you are able to access your test without any issues. You can always verify that you are running the latest version by clicking the "Information" button on the toolbar at the top of the browser.
To check if there is an error, the instructor needs to do the following:
- Go to Course Tools in the Control Panel and select Respondus LockDown Browser.
- Locate the title of the test and to the far right of the title, under the LockDown Browser Settings heading, check if 'Error' appears in red text.
- If so, select the Fix Settings button to the right.
- First, make sure you have deployed the test into the desired content area and submitted desired settings in Test Options. Requiring the LockDown Browser should always be the last step after setting the Test Options.
- Click "Course Tools" from the Control Panel. If Respondus LockDown Browser has not been made available, then go to Control Panel > Customization and select "Tool Availability." On the Tool Availability page, check the box for Respondus LockDown Browser and click Submit.
- Click Respondus LockDown Browser from the "Course Tools" menu.
- Click the dropdown arrow to the left of the name of the test then click "Modify Settings." (Note: Only deployed tests will be listed on this screen.)
- Select the desired option:
- Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam
- Don't require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam
- Optional: Enter a Password to access exam in the box.
- If a test password is entered, it will not be displayed if you return to this screen.
- Do not confuse this test password box with the Password box in the Test Options settings that are selected at the time of deployment. When the Respondus LockDown Browser is enabled for a test, a special password is published to the Password box in the Test Options settings. This special password, which is used by the Respondus LockDown Browser, should NOT be edited by the instructor (doing so will disable the Respondus LockDown Browser for the test). This special password should NOT be given to students or proctors.
- If the instructor wants students or proctors to enter a password before a test is begun in Canvas, the password must be entered on this page where the Respondus LockDown Browser is enabled.
- Optional: Expand Advanced Settings for additional options.
- Click the Save and Close button.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Chromebook (Download the LockDown Browser Extension from the Chrome web store.)
More Information:
- Quick Start Guide: Instructor
- Quick Start Guide: Student
- Video: Watch this to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).
- Video: Respondus LockDown Browser Overview
- Instructor FAQ