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Respondus LockDown Browser: Live Proctoring Setup

Learning Technology: Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor

1. Executive Summary & Purpose

This document details two primary methodologies for conducting online invigilation using Respondus LockDown Browser within Canvas: Instructor Live Proctoring (via Zoom) and the newly introduced Second Camera Setup. Based on empirical testing, utilizing a second camera offers significantly superior workspace visibility and exam integrity compared to standard webcams alone.

Note: Live proctoring via LockDown Browser suppresses Zoom video controls for students. For effective dual-camera monitoring without allowing full secondary device operating freedom, the dedicated Canvas ”Second Camera” setting provides a secure, streamlined architecture.

Option A: Setting Up Instructor Live Proctoring (Zoom)

Instructor Live Proctoring allows instructors to monitor small groups of students in real-time over Zoom while LockDown Browser enforces computer restriction.

Step-by-Step Instructor Setup in Canvas

  1. Navigate to your Canvas course and click LockDown Browser in the course navigation menu.
  2. Locate the target Quiz, click the context arrow next to its title, and select Settings.
  3. Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.
  4. Check the option Allow instructor live proctoring for this exam.
  5. Select Zoom as your video conferencing system and enter a unique Start Code.
  6. Click Save and Close.

Option B: Setting Up the Second Camera Feature

The Second Camera option utilizes a mobile device (phone or tablet) to stream an additional side-view of the student’s physical desk area directly into Respondus Monitor.

Step-by-Step Canvas Configuration

  1. In the LockDown Browser Dashboard, open Settings for the selected quiz.

    Picture1
  1. Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser AND Require Respondus Monitor.
  2. Under Monitor settings, check Require students to use a second camera in addition to the webcam.

    Picture2
  1. Customize on-screen student placement instructions and click Save and Close.

    Picture3

Student Connection Workflow

  1. Student opens the quiz on their computer using LockDown Browser and proceeds through startup checks.
    Picture1
  1. At the Second Camera step, a unique QR Code appears on the main monitor.

    Picture5
  1. Student uses their smartphone/tablet to scan the QR code (no app download required).

  2. Student grants camera permissions, positions the phone 3 feet away showing screen, keyboard, and hands, and taps I’m Ready.

    Picture6

2. Expected Functionality & Workflow Comparison

PhaseZoom Live ProctoringSecond Camera (Respondus Monitor)

Pre-Exam

Join Zoom first, then open LockDown Browser. Start Code given verbally.

Scan QR code on phone prior to exam start. Mobile browser streams footage.

During Exam

Zoom runs silently in background. Students cannot see Zoom controls.

Both primary webcam and second mobile camera record simultaneously.

Review

Real-time visual monitoring via Zoom Gallery view.

Asynchronous review in Canvas with synchronized multi-angle video playback.

3. Recommendations Based on Test Observations

  • Adopt Second Camera over General Second Device Access: The native Canvas Second Camera option locks the mobile stream into a dedicated recording window, preventing students from freely browsing on the second device.
  • Mandate Power Connections: Require students to plug both their primary computer and mobile device into power outlets to avoid dropouts mid-exam.
  • Conduct Practice Quizzes: Run a zero-point practice test prior to midterms so students test QR code scanning and device propping ahead of time.

 

Last Updated: October 5th, 2026

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