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Respondus LockDown Browser

Repondus LockDown Browser (LDB) is a specialized web browser that takes students directly to Lethbridge Polytechnic’s learning management system, Canvas. When used for exams, LDB prevents access to other websites and applications on the user’s computer. When the exam is finished, access to these resources is restored.

To download Lethbridge Polytechnic’s version of LDB, please use this link:

Download Respondus Lockdown Browser

Respondus Monitor

Respondus Monitor is a fully automated proctoring system that enables students to take online exams at any time of the day or night. Students use a webcam to record themselves during an exam, and they complete the exam using LDB (installation link above).

Here are some introductory resources describing Respondus Monitor

Short video description

Student Quick Guide

Additional Student Resources for LDB and Monitor are available here: https://web.respondus.com/student-help/

 

Student Questions

Why is Lethbridge Polytechnic using video and audio monitoring software?

As a result of pandemic restrictions, a large segment of Lethbridge Polytechnic courses temporarily moved to online delivery in 2020-21. Because of this, many exams that would normally be taken on campus moved to at-home delivery, and instructors needed a tool to help maintain the academic integrity of their quizzes and exams. Video and audio monitoring software is a tool that is useful for this purpose, as well as for supporting the health and safety of the polytechnic community during the pandemic.

In addition to that, using video and audio monitoring software is a convenient way to deliver exams that do not require in-person supervision.

As the polytechnic navigates a return to normal operations, this software will continue to be available to instructors interested in using it, and as a back-up exam delivery option if the polytechnic unexpectedly needs to return to a primarily at-home learning model.

What information does the video and audio monitoring software collect about me?

While you complete your assessment with Respondus Monitor, Monitor collects video and audio recordings using your webcam and microphone, an image of your photo ID (if required), and data regarding your activity during the exam, such as facial detection, information on internet disconnections, and time stamps for any flagged behaviour.

All student identifiable information (including name, grade, course name, and photos that show identification cards) is only accessible through Canvas. None of this information is accessible by Respondus personnel.

Additional information is available here: https://web.respondus.com/privacy/privacy-additional-monitor/.

Who has access to my video and audio recordings at Lethbridge Polytechnic?

Your video and audio recordings are not widely available, and only authorized Lethbridge Polytechnic faculty or staff have access to view video and audio recordings of your exam. Authorization varies on a course-by-course basis (e.g., instructors can only access recordings for their assigned courses) and is restricted to the following personnel:

  • Course instructor(s)
  • LMS administrators
  • Faculty and staff responsible for the review, investigation and adjudication of allegations of academic and non-academic misconduct in accordance with Lethbridge Polytechnic policy and procedures
How will Lethbridge Polytechnic use my information?

All information gathered is collected under the authority of Section 4(c) of the Alberta Protection of Privacy (POPA) Act.

Exam recordings may be viewed for the purpose of invigilating your exam and investigating alleged Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct. Recordings will not be used or disclosed for any other purpose without your written consent, unless required to do so by law.

If you have any questions about how the information you provide is collected, stored, used or disclosed you can contact the polytechnic’s Privacy Officer by phoning 403-320-3361 or emailing privacy@lethpolytech.ca.

How will Respondus use my information?

Respondus limits its use of information to purposes: (1) for which it has been given permission, (2) necessary to deliver the Services, or (3) as may be required or permitted for legal compliance or other lawful purposes.

Specifically, relating to the Services, information is used to:

  • Improve and optimize the operation and performance of services;
  • Diagnose problems with and identify any security risks, errors, or needed enhancements to the services;
  • Detect and prevent fraud and abuse of services and systems;
  • Collect aggregate statistics about use of the services; and
  • Understand and analyze how Services are used

Respondus personnel do not review/analyze the recordings except as may be required to resolve technical problems, improve system performance, modify Respondus Monitor, investigate violations of these Terms, or as may be directed by your Institution or applicable law enforcement.

Respondus may share random samples of video and/or audio recordings with contracted researchers to improve Respondus Monitor capabilities. The written agreements with the researchers expressly limit their access and use of the data to work being done for Respondus, and the researchers do not have the right to use the data for any other purposes. No personally identifiable information for students is provided with the video and/or audio recordings to researchers.

How is my information secured?

Respondus Monitor uses industry standard SSL (Secure Socket Lay) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption to transfer information. Respondus uses independent, third-party security firms to perform penetration testing of the Respondus Monitor system. This includes a review of the Respondus Monitor architecture and the testing for vulnerabilities and exploits.

Within Canvas, student identifiable information including name, grade, course name, and photos that show identification cards can only be accessed by authorized Lethbridge Polytechnic personnel.

Only users with instructor credentials for the Canvas course (e.g., instructors, teaching assistants, proctors, Canvas administrators) are able to view video sessions in conjunction with student identifiable information. Video URLs are "one-time use" and will not function if copied.

Can Respondus access any other files or data that are stored on my computer?

No, Respondus does not have any access to personal information or files on your personal computer.

How can I further protect my privacy interests when taking an assessment online?

During the assessment it is recommended that you situate yourself in a quiet and unoccupied space, where other people inside your dwelling will not be observed, and remove or conceal personal property bearing images or names (e.g., family photographs or signs) to further maintain your privacy

Do I need a functioning webcam or microphone to use Monitor?

Yes. Your webcam and microphone need to be functional and enabled on your computer at all times during the assessment. If you do not have one or both of these capabilities, please contact your instructor.

Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?

Please contact your instructor if you have any questions or concerns about the use of Respondus Monitor.

If you are having technical difficulties with installing or using Respondus Monitor, Respondus Support is the most effective resource. Respondus offers live chat support for Respondus Monitor, as well as a support ticket system for addressing more significant technical issues.

Where can I find more information about Respondus Monitor?