Teaching with Respondus Lockdown Browser

Respondus LockDown Browser (RLDB) is a custom browser that creates a more secure testing environment for Canvas quizzes and exams. When students take an assessment using LockDown Browser, they are prevented from accessing other websites, opening other applications, printing content, copying questions, or navigating away from the assessment until it is submitted.

Respondus LockDown Browser integrates with both Canvas Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes through the LockDown Browser Dashboard in Canvas.

Why Use RLDB?

Respondus LockDown Browser helps instructors create a more controlled digital testing environment during quizzes and exams. Faculty commonly use RLDB to:

• Limit access to outside digital resources during assessments
• Reduce opportunities for web browsing, messaging, or application switching during exams
• Support remote or in-person testing workflows within Canvas
• Pair secure browser settings with webcam-based proctoring tools when needed
• Maintain a familiar Canvas quiz workflow while adding additional exam security

LockDown Browser is best suited for assessments where limiting access to external digital resources is an important part of the assessment design.

What Does RLDB Do?

When students use Respondus LockDown Browser:

• Other applications and browser tabs are blocked
• Copy/paste, printing, and screen capture are disabled
• Browser navigation controls are restricted
• Students cannot leave the quiz until it is submitted
• Access to other areas of Canvas is blocked during the assessment

If a quiz contains links to external resources, those links open in a secure browser window that prevents students from navigating beyond the allowed page.

Students launch the assessment through LockDown Browser itself. If the browser is not installed, students are prompted to download and install it before beginning the quiz.

Getting Started

Once the Respondus LockDown Browser tool has been enabled in Canvas by your institution, enabling it for a quiz is straightforward.

To enable RLDB for a Canvas quiz:

1. Create your quiz in Canvas
2. Open the LockDown Browser Dashboard from the course navigation menu
3. Locate the quiz in the dashboard list
4. Open the quiz settings
5. Enable the LockDown Browser requirement
6. Save and close the settings

Additional settings may also be available depending on your institution’s configuration. For more detailed instructions, refer to Respondus YouTube: Preparing an Exam for use with LockDown Browser: Canvas (both Classic + New Quizzes).

Important Considerations

Provide a Practice Quiz

Before using LockDown Browser for a high-stakes assessment, provide students with a low-stakes practice quiz so they can test their device, browser installation, webcam setup (if applicable), and internet connection.

Communicate Expectations Clearly

Students should know in advance:

• Whether LockDown Browser is required
• Whether webcam recording will be used
• What materials are permitted during the assessment
• What technology they will need

Consider Accessibility and Accommodations

Some students may require accommodations or alternative testing arrangements. Work with Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services (SAILS) as needed before the assessment window begins.

Test the Assessment Before Publishing

Always preview and test quizzes in Student View before publishing to ensure quiz settings, external links, and proctoring requirements function as expected.

Use Proctoring Tools Thoughtfully

LockDown Browser can support academic integrity goals, but it is most effective when paired with thoughtful assessment design and clear communication with students.

Additional Resources

• ASU Service Now Article: LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor Overview
• ASU Service Now Article: Enable Respondus LockDown Browser & Instructor Live Proctoring — Support Overview

Respondus Resources

• Respondus YouTube: Introduction to LockDown Browser for Canvas (Classic Quizzes)
• Instructor Quick Start Guide PDF: Canvas (Classic Quizzes)
• Respondus YouTube: Introduction to LockDown Browser for Canvas (New Quizzes)
• Instructor Quick Start Guide PDF: Canvas (New Quizzes)
• Respondus YouTube: Preparing an Exam for use with LockDown Browser: Canvas (both Classic + New Quizzes)