Respondus Lockdown Browser is approved and integrated with LMS.
It is available to all instructors. Submit a request to have it enabled within your Canvas course.
What is Respondus Lockdown Browser
Respondus Lockdown Browser is the USask recommended tool for courses with proctored digital exams. Instructors can choose from a variety of Respondus Lockdown Browser settings designed to support the integrity of digital exams.
What is the purpose of Respondus Lockdown Browser
This tool is designed to enhance the integrity of digital assessments. The use of the lockdown browser during digital exams prevents actions such as copying, pasting, taking screenshots, or accessing other websites or applications.
Why use or avoid Respondus Lockdown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser restricts student activity on their computer during an online exam by limiting access to other applications, websites, and screen-sharing tools. While this can reduce certain forms of misconduct, digital exams remain vulnerable in other ways. For stronger assessment security, we still recommend designing types of assessments that require fewer restrictions.
That said, educators may choose to use Respondus LockDown Browser when:
- Accrediting or licensing bodies require proctoring tools as part of assessment practices.
- Exams are central to the course design, and a lockdown browser allows online students to participate equitably. Because online exams are an expected part of online courses, students can make informed choices at the time of enrollment about whether they are comfortable with the required software.
Learning Technology Ecosystem (LTE) Principles
Respondus LockDown Browser is not a tool selected on the basis of LTE principles. Instead, it is provided as an option for instructors who require additional restrictions for digital exams.
While it has not been formally assessed against the LTE principles, aspects such as Accessibility and Efficient and Easy to Use were considered in making it available for use at USask.
Best Practices
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Include a statement in your syllabus explaining when and how Respondus LockDown Browser will be used. |
Don’t use both Canvas Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes in the same course—keep the experience consistent for all exams. |
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Have students install the browser in advance and complete a practice quiz on the same device they will use for the actual exam. |
Don’t use Respondus LockDown Browser for the first time on a high-stakes assessment. Test it in a no-stakes practice activity first to resolve technical and user issues. |
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Instruct students to restart their device before starting the exam, and let them know how to access support if they encounter problems. |
Don’t require Respondus LockDown Browser without providing students clear instructions and support options. |
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Submit an IT support request for the exam, and work with your College IT Coordinator for network readiness and location-specific advice. |
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The first time you use it, plan extra time after the exam to review flagged incidents. |
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Expect that some students may have difficulty initially accessing the exam, and ensure they know how to access support. Consider building in some extra time for issues. |
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When appropriate, whitelist specific resources students are permitted to access during the exam. |
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When using Canvas New Quizzes, remind students to first open the exam in their regular browser before being directed to LockDown Browser to avoid needing to re-authenticate. |
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Support for Respondus Lockdown Browser
Technical Support(Why isn't this working?) USask IT supported |
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Training Support(How do I learn to use this tool?) USask IT supported |
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Teaching Support(How do I teach with this tool?) Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning Supported |
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