Using Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor

About LockDown Browser and Monitor

When a course requires the use of LockDown Browser and Monitor, it requires you use a webcam for online assessments. Students will be recorded during the assessment to ensure use of only permitted resources and as a method of student verification.  The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. A broadband connection is also required.

Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature (skip to minute 1:30). 

A practice assessment will be available for you to ensure that your installation of Lockdown Browser runs smoothly and that your webcam is working properly. LockDown Browser is a web browser, similar to Internet Explorer, Safari and Chrome, but secures the testing environment.

Install LockDown Browser

LockDown Browser can be installed on any computer that you will be using while taking this course. It is also available on the SU campus in the IT supported computer labs and general use computers in the Academic Commons. Students with Chromebooks will install Lockdown Browser as an extension.

Please note: LockDown Browser for Chromebook will only work with quizzes an instructor has enabled for use with LockDown Browser for Chromebook. 

Using LockDown Browser and Monitor

When taking an assessment in MyClasses it is important to know whether your instructor has created the assessment as a Classic Quiz or a New Quiz. They will need to inform you. The method in which you open LockDown Browser will depend on whether it is a Classic Quiz or New Quiz. Once you try one method and encounter problems, try the other method as described below.

Classic Quiz Instructions:

For Classic Quizzes you will first open LockDown Browser instead of opening a regular browser such as Chrome, Edge or Safari:

1. Locate Respondus LockDown Browser on your computer to open the application. For Mac users, launch LockDown
   Browser from the Applications folder.

2. If LockDown Browser tells you that you are running a blocked program, you will be prompted to close the blocked program (e.g. instant messaging, some email programs). Choose “Yes” to allow LockDown Browser to automatically close them.

3. Login to MyClasses.

4. Navigate to the appropriate course and find the test or quiz that you wish to take.

5. Click Take the Quiz to start the assessment and follow instructions for Using Monitor below.

New Quiz Instructions:

For New Quizzes you will open a regular browser first and navigate to the assessment before LockDown Browser launches.

1. Open a regular web browser (e.g. Edge, Chrome, Safari, etc.)

2. Login to MyClasses.

3. Navigate to the appropriate course and find the test or quiz that you wish to take.

4. When you select the assessment, LockDown Browser will open.

5. If LockDown Browser tells you that you are running a blocked program, you will be prompted to close the blocked program (e.g. instant messaging, some email programs). Choose “Yes” to allow LockDown Browser to automatically close them.

6. Click Begin to start the assessment and follow instructions for Using Monitor below.

Using your WebCam (Respondus Monitor):

If a quiz requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, follow the steps in the previous section. At this point, the Startup Sequence for the webcam begins.

1. You will first need to review and agree to the Terms of Use.

2. The Webcam Check will confirm that your webcam and microphone are working properly. (Audio is also recorded)

3. The remaining steps of the Startup Sequence will depend on settings chosen by your instructor. Follow the instructions and note your progress along the left side of the screen.

4. If you encounter a problem, select the it’s not working link for troubleshooting tips and access to 24/7 Live Chat Help.

5. The quiz will begin after the Startup Sequence is complete. You cannot exit LockDown Browser until the assessment is submitted for grading.