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Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor

An online testing security solution

Some online courses will require the use of Respondus Lockdown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor to administer the online exams. Chromebooks and similar devices are not compatible with Lockdown Browser and will not work. Be sure you have the appropriate device for your required coursework. To know if your course will be utilizing either of these software items, please refer to the course syllabus.

Respondus LockDown Browser 

Respondus LockDown Browser is a secure browser for taking tests in Blackboard. It prevents printing, copying, going to other URLs, or accessing other applications during a test. If a Blackboard test requires Respondus LockDown Browser be used, you will not be able to take the test with a standard web browser but instead will utilize a browser provided by Respondus during the exam.

For courses using LockDown Browser, you must install the free software onto your computer by following these instructions. You will not be able to access your exam until the software has been installed.

Respondus Monitor

Your course may also implement the use of Respondus Monitor with LockDown Browser. The Respondus Monitor software uses a webcam with your computer along with a microphone to record you while completing your online exam in LockDown Browser. If Respondus Monitor is used, your computer must have a functioning webcam and microphone. Windows users need to have Adobe Flash Player installed to Internet Explorer, even if a different browser is normally used. Mac users must have Adobe Flash Player installed to Safari. A broadband connection is also required. Installing LockDown Browser on your computer also installs Respondus Monitor.

When taking an exam using Respondus Monitor, you will be required to show a photo ID and perform an environment scan by using the webcam to record your surroundings. A system check will be conducted prior to the beginning of your exam to ensure the webcam and microphone are working properly.

The recorded image captured during the online exam is similar to video captured throughout our daily lives at stoplights, an ATM machine, the grocery store, etc. Images captured are securely stored in the cloud by Amazon Cloud Storage and are only accessible through the course shell by the Instructor. Be sure to follow the  Recording Etiquette when using Respondus Monitor.

Should you prefer to complete your Respondus Monitor exam via a proctor, please contact CMU Online at 989-774-4461 to further determine if this is an option available to you.