Respondus

Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor help instructors deliver more controlled assessments in Canvas. LockDown Browser restricts access to other websites, applications, and common browser functions while a student is taking a Canvas quiz or exam. Respondus Monitor adds webcam-based recording and review tools for exams that require remote live or asynchronous monitoring.

At Duke, these tools are intended to support specific assessment needs rather than serve as a one-size-fits-all solution. Instructors should weigh course goals, student experience, accessibility, privacy, and available alternatives when deciding whether to use them.

What is Respondus?

Respondus includes two related tools for Canvas exams:

• LockDown Browser is a special browser used for a Canvas quiz or exam. It prevents students from opening other browser tabs, visiting other websites, printing, copying, or switching to other applications during the assessment.
• Respondus Monitor works with LockDown Browser and uses a student’s webcam, microphone, and exam-session recording to support remote review of a test attempt.

Instructors may use LockDown Browser by itself for in-person or otherwise proctored testing environments, or use LockDown Browser together with Monitor when remote exam proctoring and/or recording is needed.

Use Cases

Respondus may be a good fit when an instructor needs to:

• give a Canvas-based exam in a more controlled digital environment
• reduce access to unauthorized digital resources on the testing device
• support remote or distributed testing that requires recorded review
• preserve use of Canvas quizzes rather than move to a separate exam platform

Important Limitations

Respondus can limit activity on the device being used for the assessment, but it does not eliminate all forms of academic misconduct. Students may still attempt to use unauthorized materials, secondary devices, notes, or off-camera collaboration. For many courses, changes to assessment design or lower-surveillance alternatives may be more appropriate.

Where possible, instructors should review Duke guidance on the limitations of proctoring software and consider whether a different assessment design would better match the learning goals of the course.

Getting Started

For instructors:

• Build your quiz or exam in Canvas first
• Open the Respondus tool in your Canvas course and choose whether the assessment requires LockDown Browser only or LockDown Browser plus Monitor
• Tell students well in advance if Respondus will be required
• Create a low-stakes or no-stakes practice quiz before the real exam so students can install the software, test their devices, and resolve problems early
• Review the available support articles before using Respondus in a live exam

For students:

• Respondus is used only when your instructor requires it for a Canvas assessment
• Install LockDown Browser before the exam and use the same device and network you plan to use on test day. System Requirements for Respondus LockDown Browser
• If your exam uses Respondus Monitor, make sure your webcam and microphone are working before the exam begins. System Requirements for Respondus Monitor
• Complete any practice quiz your instructor provides

Accessibility, privacy, and student experience

Accessibility and accommodation needs should be considered before using proctoring or lockdown tools in a live course. Instructors should plan ahead for students who use approved accommodations, assistive technology, loaner devices, or alternative testing arrangements by coordinating with Duke Access and Accommodation Services. 

Because Respondus Monitor involves exam-session recording, instructors should communicate expectations clearly in advance and use the tool only when it is appropriate for the assessment context.

Support

Faculty, staff, and students should use Respondus support resources for help with installation, setup, and technical issues. For exam-related questions (such as timing, access, or policies), students should contact their instructor directly. 

For general help with Canvas, contact Canvas Help. Faculty planning higher-risk or large-enrollment exam use should coordinate in advance rather than waiting until an exam window begins.