Teaching and research
What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
Respondus LockDown Browser is a secure browser used with Canvas quizzes to reduce the risk of academic misconduct during online assessments. When a quiz is set to require LockDown Browser, students cannot use that device to access other applications, websites, messaging tools, screen-sharing or virtual machines, copy or print content, or exit the assessment until it has been submitted.
It integrates directly with Canvas, so once it's enabled on a quiz, students are prompted to launch LockDown Browser rather than accessing the quiz through a standard browser.
When would I use LockDown Browser?
LockDown Browser is best suited to in-person, invigilated assessments, such as quizzes run in a computer lab or classroom with students bringing their own device under supervision. In this context, it works alongside a human invigilator to help secure the testing environment.
It can also be enabled for quizzes students complete at home or off campus. However, staff should be aware that in this setting LockDown Browser only secures the device it is installed on — students could still use a second, unlocked device (such as a phone or another computer) to look up information or communicate with others during the quiz. It is not a substitute for proctoring when there is no invigilator present.
Give students a practice run
Before using LockDown Browser in a graded or high-stakes assessment, we strongly recommend setting up a practice quiz for students to complete beforehand. This gives students the chance to:
- Install LockDown Browser and confirm it works on their own device
- Get familiar with the locked-down testing interface before it counts
- Identify and resolve any technical issues well ahead of the actual assessment
Running into LockDown Browser problems for the first time during a real exam creates unnecessary stress for students and can lead to a flood of last-minute support requests. An ungraded practice quiz with unlimited attempts avoids this and is one of the simplest ways to reduce technical issues on the day.
Using LockDown Browser in UON computer labs
If you'd like LockDown Browser enabled on computers in a Callaghan campus computer lab, submit a request via ServiceNow.
When lodging your request, please clearly state that you are requesting Respondus LockDown Browser for use with a Canvas quiz, so it can be correctly identified and actioned.
Guides and support
Respondus maintains its own up-to-date guides covering setup, configuration, and how LockDown Browser works from a student perspective. Rather than duplicating that content here, refer to: Respondus LockDown Browser guides
Resources
Resources can be found on Respondus under the Resources Tab or, for specifics, using the links below:
- Overview Video for Canvas (Classic Quizzes)
- Overview Video for Canvas (New Quizzes)
- Free Training Webinars
- Instructor Start Guide for Canvas (Classic Quizzes)
- Instructor Start Guide for Canvas (New Quizzes)
- Overview Video for students
- Quick Start Guide for Students
A final note: LockDown Browser is designed to help secure in-person, invigilated assessments. While it can be turned on for at-home or unsupervised quizzes, keep in mind that students sitting these quizzes are still able to use a separate device that isn't locked down. If you need a higher level of assurance for unsupervised assessments, consider this limitation when deciding whether LockDown Browser alone is sufficient.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.