Respondus LockDown Browser for remote examination proctoring
March 22, 2021
From: Kevin Wolff, Instructional Designer at BCTC and Campus Coordinator for the Respondus Initiative and Dennis Slavin, Associate Provost and Campus Sponsor for the Respondus Initiative
We are pleased to announce that CUNY has secured Respondus LockDown Browser as a solution for the online proctoring of examinations administered in Blackboard. It is now available as an option for Baruch faculty members if they determine that Respondus LockDown Browser is suitable for their examinations; otherwise, faculty members will be able to administer online exams as before. Please remember that use of the LockDown Browser requires notice in the course syllabus or course description so that students are aware the tool will be used in the course.*
Unlike previous remote proctoring solutions evaluated by CUNY, Respondus LockDown Browser simply restricts what students can access on their computers during online Blackboard quizzes and tests—preventing students for example, from accessing other websites or applications. The Respondus Browser does not monitor students using real-time or recorded video and does not access the content on the students’ computers or keep a record of the students’ activity for later inspection or use by CUNY.
Respondus LockDown Browser operates only on devices that meet the following specifications (iPhones and Android devices are not supported):
- Computers running Windows 8 or a later operating system
(Windows 10 S is not supported) - Mac running macOS 10.12 – 11.1
- iPad running iOS 11.0 or later
- Chromebooks
NOTE: Students can request an alternative assessment to a proctored examination if they do not have a supported device for Respondus LockDown Browser or if the course was not identified at the time of enrollment as including a proctored examination. For more information about alternative assessments, please see the first and last sections of the Quizzes, Tests, and Alternatives Forms of Assessment pages provided by Baruch’s Center for Teaching and Learning.
Reviewing Support Materials and Signing Up for Training
CUNY has provided information and FAQs for instructors and students. Please also see the Respondus LockDown Browser Resources web page for additional information and resources. We encourage you to sign up for a training webinar on the Respondus Instructor Training web page.
NOTE: CUNY has not implemented the Respondus Monitor solution that is often combined with Respondus LockDown Browser in marketing materials, product descriptions, product support pages, and training—please ignore all references to Respondus Monitor and webcams/video.
Setting up Practice Exam for your Students
If you choose to use Respondus LockDown Browser, we strongly recommend setting up a practice examination first so you and your students can work out any issues before a graded exam is administered.
Getting Help
Please contact the Baruch College Help Desk for help in setting up your Blackboard exam in Respondus LockDown Browser or contact Respondus support directly.
For help with questions regarding examination equity, academic integrity, or accommodations, please contact Baruch’s Acting Academic Integrity Officer, Brandy Peer.
* If you believe that you might want to make use of the Respondus LockDown Browser during Fall 2022, please let your department’s scheduler (or your chair) know as soon as possible. The scheduler will notify the registrar’s office, which will enter the appropriate “attribute” on your sections so that students will be aware of your intentions. You may, of course, change your mind next fall and not use the Browser if you are so moved.