Introduction
Canvas is Virginia Tech's learning management system (LMS). Instructors use Canvas to manage teaching materials like assignments, quizzes, feedback, and student grades.
- Official courses are automatically created in instructors' Canvas accounts.
- Enrolled students are automatically added.
- Instructors can reuse teaching materials by importing them to a new course site.
- Canvas provides 24-7 support by phone (833-639-7621) and chat (click Help on any Canvas screen).
The Canvas Instructor Guide and the Canvas Student Guide have full instructions on using Canvas. These instructions are specific to Virginia Tech. To see other Canvas topics, please see:
Contents
Instructions
Background
Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser designed to enhance the integrity of online assessments within Canvas by restricting access to external resources and features on the student’s device, ensuring a secure testing environment. It prevents printing, copying, accessing other websites, and utilizing external applications during exams, promoting academic integrity and fair evaluation.
Respondus Monitor is an additional feature that works alongside Respondus LockDown Browser to enhance exam integrity in online settings. It utilizes webcam technology to record students during online, non-proctored exams, allowing instructors to review the recordings for any suspicious behavior, thus further ensuring academic honesty.
Although these tools can deter cheating, they are not infallible. Students with technical knowledge may find ways to bypass the browser security to access additional resources during a lockdown exam. To foster a culture of integrity, consider combining Respondus Lockdown Browser with resources from the Office of Academic Integrity, such as syllabus guidelines or the Academic Integrity Education Program for students.
The Respondus LockDown Browser:
- Is designed for use in a proctored setting, such as during class or in a computer lab.
- Prevents a computer from navigating to other websites, using chat, or taking screenshots during a quiz.
- Does not prevent students from using another computer or their phone during a quiz.
The Respondus Monitor:
- Is designed for use in an non-proctored setting, such as an online class or a take home exam.
- Records the student's webcam during the exam, as well as their screen, if enabled.
- Does not prevent students from using another computer or their phone during a quiz, but will flag suspicious activity that instructors can review on the LockDown Browser dashboard.
Computer Requirements
- If you set a Canvas quiz to require the Respondus LockDown Browser, students must download and install the browser to use it during the quiz.
- Student devices must also meet the minimum requirements for installing the browser. Please see: What are the computer requirements for installations of Respondus LockDown Browser?
- Respondus Monitor requires students have a working webcam and broadband internet connection. Please note:
- Instructors cannot require students to use hardware not listed in their major List of Specifications, so please refer to your specific department for additional requirements regarding webcams.
- Not all students have high-bandwidth connections.
Therefore, to avoid discrimination:
- Instructors can prepare alternative testing options for students with hardware and connectivity issues.
- Instructors can let students without webcams enter a Respondus access code to make the exam not require Respondus Monitor. This is typically done in a proctored setting, and the proctor would need to know the Respondus access code for the exam.
Using Respondus LockDown Browser
We highly recommend implementing a practice quiz in your site so students can familiarize themselves with the LockDown Browser quizzes in your specific site and have time to troubleshoot any issues.
To set up a Canvas Quiz using the LockDown Browser:
- Create and save a Canvas Quiz. See the Canvas Quiz Guides.
- Click LockDown Browser on the course navigation menu.
- If you don't see the link, click Settings on the course navigation menu, then click the Navigation tab. Drag the bar for LockDown Browser into the top section on the page and click Save.
- The first time you go to the LockDown Browser, click Authorize to grant Respondus LockDown Browser access.
- Please note copied Canvas courses require you to access and authorize the LockDown Browser dashboard once in your new site before quizzes can be taken by students.
- Please note copied Canvas courses require you to access and authorize the LockDown Browser dashboard once in your new site before quizzes can be taken by students.
- In the LockDown Browser Dashboard, locate the quiz that you'd like to require the LockDown Browser.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to your quiz name, then Settings.
- Click the button for Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam, and Password Settings and Advanced Settings will appear.
- Configure additional settings if you'd like.
- Add a password under Password Settings.
- Click +Advanced Settings to show additional options.
- Click explain next to any of the advanced settings for a description.
- Click the check box to enable any advanced setting.
- Click -Advanced Settings to hide advanced options.
- Click Save and Close.
- LockDown Browser is now enabled for your quiz.
- Give students instructions on how to use the LockDown Browser: Taking Quizzes (for Students).
Using Respondus Monitor
For extra security during an online exam, you can use Respondus Monitor alongside Respondus LockDown Browser. Respondus Monitor uses a student’s webcam to record video of them taking the test. Videos where students leave the camera's field of view are flagged. After the test, instructors can review flagged and other videos.
To set up a Canvas Quiz using Respondus Monitor:
- Create and save a Canvas Quiz. See the Canvas Quiz Guides.
- Click LockDown Browser in your course navigation menu.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to your quiz name, then Settings.
- Click Require Respondus LockDown Browser, then Require Respondus Monitor (automated proctoring) for this exam.
- An information pop-up about Respondus monitor may appear. Click Continue to Respondus Monitor.
- Choose Webcam Only or Webcam + Screen to also record the student's screen during the exam.
- If something goes wrong during the quiz, it may be helpful to be able to review the student's quiz screen.
- If something goes wrong during the quiz, it may be helpful to be able to review the student's quiz screen.
- Under Startup Sequence, take a look at the default settings:
- Choose whether to include Additional Instructions and Guidelines + Tips.
- To address potential privacy concerns from students, consider unchecking Student Photo, Show ID, and Environment Check.
- Under Face Detection Options, you can turn on/off additional settings.
- Under Advanced Settings, there are additional settings as well.
- Allow use of an iPad for this exam
- Allow switching to MS Excel during the exam
- Allow this exam to additionally be delivered in a proctored lab
- Enabling proctored lab will let students without webcams who enter a password take the exam. They would contact you and you would reply with the password.
- Respondus Lockdown Browser is still required.
- Enable "Show Your Work" step at end of exam
- Click Save + Close.
- After the exam ends, students who left view of their webcams during the exam will be flagged. You can watch those or other videos to investigate whether cheating might have occurred.
Viewing Respondus Monitor Results
- On the course navigation menu, click LockDown Browser.
- Find the quiz to review and click Class Results.
- Scroll to view students. Click the [+] to view their videos.
- If you need to download the file for the Office of Undergraduate Academic Integrity (OUAI):
- Open a case with the OUAI by reporting an incident.
- Once you have a case number with the OUAI, go back to the Class Results for your quiz and locate the video in question.
- Click Request video download.
- Fill in your name and email address.
- For the reason, state the OUAI case number.
- Click Submit. TLOS will receive a request for the download and work with the OUAI to download it.
Using Respondus 4.0
Respondus 4.0 allows instructors to create and edit quizzes on their computers, then export them as QTI files which can be uploaded to Canvas.
- Respondus 4.0 only has a Windows version.
- Respondus 4.0 does not integrate with New Quizzes. You must import into Classic Quizzes and then migrate to New Quizzes.
- Mac users can run it on a Windows virtual machine. Contact your department's IT desktop support group for help.
- For instructions on using Respondus 4.0, see: Respondus Resources, including the Respondus 4.0 Quick Start Guide (PDF).
Install Respondus 4.0
Do not download Respondus 4.0 from the Respondus website. Install a licensed Virginia Tech version instead.
- Log into Virginia Tech's Network Software Server.
- Expand Respondus Software. Click Respondus 4.0 for Windows. Accept the license agreement.
- Click Download.
- Open the downloaded EXE file and go through the InstallShield Wizard to install.
- You need not install the Respondus Equation Editor. We suggest using EquatIO for digital math.
- On the Network Software Server click Product Key(s).
- During installation, Respondus will ask you to enter the information in the Product Key(s) popup.
Upload Quizzes to Canvas
To upload quizzes, connect Respondus 4.0 installed on your computer with your Canvas sites.
- Create or go to a Respondus Classic quiz. See: Respondus Resources, including the Respondus 4.0 Quick Start Guide (PDF).
- When you're done editing the quiz, click Preview + Publish.
- Preview the completed quiz and make any corrections.
- Click Publish then Publish Wizard.
- In the Publish Wizard:
- Choose to publish to one or many courses.
- Next to Canvas server click - add new server -.
- In the Add New Server Settings popup, check No, I want to enter the server settings manually. Then click Next.
- On the Canvas Server Settings page:
- Copy any URL from Virginia Tech Canvas.
- Paste the URL in number 2.
- Click Extract. Respondus will produce the correct Server connection URL.
- Enter a description.
- Enter any text in the User name and Password fields. They aren't used for login but can't be left blank.
- Click OK.
- Back in the Publish Wizard window click Next.
- A popup will appear that says Log into Canvas using the browser window, then close the window and click OK to continue. Click OK.
- Respondus might need to download a package that allows 2-factor. Allow the installation.
- A Virginia Tech Login Service window will appear. Log in with your VT Username (PID), VT Username (PID) passphrase, and second factor.
- Click Authorize to allow Respondus 4.0 to access Canvas.
- Click OK again.
- You'll go back to the Publish Wizard where you can upload the quiz to Canvas.
- Next time you upload to Canvas, select the same server.
Please note that if you'd like to use New Quizzes, you can migrate your uploaded quiz to New Quizzes at this point.
Respondus Resources
Both Canvas and Respondus support Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor.
- Click Support on any Canvas screen for a list of help options.
- Go to Respondus Technical Support and click Submit a Ticket.
Respondus has created quick guides for its tools:
- Respondus Monitor: overview of key features and instructor resources
- LockDown Browser: overview of key features and instructor resources
- Instructor FAQ
- Rollout for Administrators provides answers the top questions that administrators have about these applications
- Rollout for Instructors answers the top questions instructors have about LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor
Respondus offers webinar training with live Q&A. Go to Respondus Webinars for a list of training webinars. The trainings are about 45 minutes, with an extended Q/A period where questions are answered live.
Student troubleshooting guide: Taking Quizzes in Canvas
Problems with Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Monitor
Common Errors
Error |
Solution |
Affected users |
| Frowny Face error when opening the LockDown Browser Dashboard tool | Instructor | |
| Exam title indicates a webcam must be used, but the course is unknown to our servers | Student (instructor action needed) | |
| There is a problem with the settings for this exam | Student (instructor action needed) | |
| The browser cannot be used in virtual machine software (e.g. Virtual PC, VMWare, Parallels) | Student | |
|
Screencastify error |
Student | |
|
Alert: You are in violation of the End User License Agreement |
Student will need to submit a 4Help incident and include the reference code provided by Respondus to lift the ban. A TLOS admin will be in contact. |
Student (admin action needed) |
|
Link is blocked |
Click on the question mark next to the Link is blocked error and take a photo of the blocked link. Submit a 4Help incident and attach the photo. |
Student (instructor action needed) |
Issues Accessing External Web Domains
Instructors can allow students to visit external websites during a quiz by going to their Canvas site and clicking on LockDown Browser > Advanced Settings > Allow access to specific external web domains.
Please note that sites requiring VT login and 2-factor authentication (2FA) may require intermediary domains added to the approved list. Otherwise, students may see a Link is blocked error when accessing these additional resources.
Here are some best practices before implementing a LockDown Browser quiz that allows external web domains:
- Identify all required domains: Use a browser extension like Domain Spotter to capture every domain used when accessing your target resource (especially login redirects).
- Test with a practice quiz: Run a trial quiz using the same external links to verify everything works before assigning a graded activity.
If you or your students encounter blocked link errors:
- Have the student take a photo of the blocked URL (click the question mark next to the Link is blocked error to bring up the URL).
- Try to use a browser extension like Domain Spotter to ensure that the blocked link is accounted for in your list of approved domains.
- Submit a 4Help incident for assistance, attaching the photo of the blocked link.
Login Issue with 2-Factor Authentication
Virginia Tech is upgrading to enhanced 2-factor authentication (2FA) for all faculty, staff, and students by August 2025. This update changes which 2FA methods are supported.
- Built-in device authentication (PIN, passcode, or face or fingerprint recognition)
- Security keys (USB, bluetooth, or NFC security keys such as Yubikey)
- Duo Mobile App passcodes
- Hardware tokens (D-100)
- Verified Duo push (Requires entering a unique, time-sensitive numeric code into the Duo mobile app installed on your smartphone or tablet)
Note: SMS messages and phone calls will no longer work after your account is upgraded. If students currently rely on those, they will need to set up a new 2FA device or method: Enrolling, Adding, Managing, or Removing a Duo 2FA Device.
Additionally, LockDown Browser does not support WebAuthn. If you only use a YubiKey (in WebAuthn mode) or a face/fingerprint reader, you won’t be able to log into Canvas Classic Quizzes via LockDown Browser. Canvas New Quizzes are not affected, as you log in via your normal browser before LockDown Browser launches.
Workarounds:
- Use Verified Duo Push
- Use a YubiKey registered with AES
- Use a One Time Passcode
For assistance with Duo, submit an incident on 4Help or call 540-231-4357.
Getting Help
Both Canvas and Respondus support Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor.
- Click Help on any Canvas screen for a list of help options.
- Go to Respondus Technical Support and click Submit a Ticket.
For instructions on resolving common issues with Canvas, see:
- Troubleshooting Canvas (for Instructors)
- Troubleshooting Canvas (For Students)
- Recommended Browser Privacy and Security Settings for Canvas
Instructure, the creators of Canvas, provide 24-7 Canvas support, including live chat and a support hotline.
To get Canvas help, click Help on any Canvas screen and choose from help options:
- Search the Canvas Guides: Search Canvas documentation.
- Chat with Canvas Support: Open a chat window in Canvas (or call the phone number).
- Contact Virginia Tech 4Help: Submit an incident on 4Help or call 540-231-4357.
- Browse Virginia Tech Resources: See other Canvas Knowledge Base articles.
- Report a Problem: Submit a Canvas support case by filling out a short form.
- Ask the Community: Go to Canvas user community resources.
- Submit a Feature Idea: Search a list of current feature idea conversations. Add to an existing conversation or start your own!