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Limitations for Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

There are limitations for what Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor can do in terms of test security.

Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Monitor cannot:

  • Guarantee test security. Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor can make it more difficult to cheat, but cannot fully prevent it.
  • Provide an accessible testing environment to all students.
  • Utilize the Monitor function for students that do not have access to a webcam.
  • Allow use of a smartphone as an external web camera.
  • Be perfect with facial recognition technology, as sometimes when students are looking down to work on a problem, it can be flagged as questionable behavior.
  • Allow students to open a supplemental document to use while taking the exam. You will have to link any supplemental document to the quiz.
  • Be compatible with Windows machines and Macs running OSX 10.10 or below.

Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Monitor can:

  • Be easily compatible with D2L quizzes tool.
  • Prevent students from using outside sources by blocking them from switching between applications.
  • Protect exam questions by preventing students from copying, printing, or taking screenshots of the exam.
  • Maintain a classroom-like setting using the optional Respondus Monitor function, which utilizes the students' webcams and microphones to record them taking the test. The automated proctoring will use facial recognition technology to ensure students are taking their own test, as well as flag certain behaviors for the instructor to review. Monitor will often flag (and mark as "questionable") behaviors such as a student walking out of the room, someone coming into the room, or looking at a book or table.
  • Be easily downloaded and used by students.
  • Be compatible with an iPad if instructor enables iPad use for the test.
  • Be compatible with Chromebooks.

For more information on what Respondus can be used for, read 10 Reasons to Use LockDown Browser.

MSU Documentation