Respondus

Respondus helps instructors:

• Save time by allowing you to work offline on your PC and publish to UM Learn when ready.
• Preview, print and/or publish text directly from your online/remote learning course.
• Easily move tests, exams and quizzes from one course to another.
• Insert mathematical and scientific formulas and symbols.

The University of Manitoba uses three applications of Respondus:

1. Respondus 4.0
2. Respondus LockDown Browser
3. Respondus Monitor. 

Respondus 4.0 is not available for Mac, Android or iOS.

Respondus 4.0 is a powerful tool for creating and managing exams that can be published directly to the UM Learn Quizzes tool. Exams can be imported from Word (.docx and .doc) and other formats in a familiar Windows environment.

Respondus 4.0 must be installed on a Windows computer by a user with administrative access.

The use of Respondus is not mandatory and comes with possible constraints such as student internet bandwidth limitations, inability to meet the computer requirements, and the potential for increased anxiety.

Resources and support for Respondus 4.0

• For a quick start guide, user guides and video tutorials, please visit the Respondus 4.0 resource site.

Respondus 4.0 support in UM Learn

• For complete information, visit the Respondus 4.0 support documentation in the UM Learn Quizzes subsection. Log in to your course in UM Learn > Assessments > Quizzes > Respondus 4.0.
• A Quick Start Guide can be found in the Third Party Integrations subsection. Log in to your course in UM Learn > left side bar: Third Party Integrations > Respondus.

Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) is a browser that is similar to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, but its settings prevent printing, copying, navigating to another URL, accessing other applications, or closing an online quiz/test/exam until it is submitted for grading using the same computer.

Respondus Monitor records students during a quiz, test or exam in UM Learn via a webcam and microphone. Instructors can review these videos at a later time, if deemed necessary.

• Note: Respondus LDB can be used on its own, but Respondus Monitor requires Respondus LDB.

Considerations for use of Respondus LDB and Respondus Monitor

• Syllabus updates are required – If you choose to enable Respondus LDB, you must indicate this in your syllabus and include the minimum requirements for its use.
• Practice quizzes – Set up practice quizzes for your students to take before their actual quiz, test or exam is scheduled so they can become familiar and comfortable navigating their way through. 
• Create two versions – If students have an issue with Respondus that they can’t resolve, ensure they can gain access to a second version of the quiz, test or exam that is not set up through Respondus. Create a second version by using the “special access” feature in your UM Learn’s Quiz tool.
• Alternative options – Using Respondus is not mandatory. The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning strongly advises that instructors develop an alternative option for assessment for students who are unable to use the Respondus Monitor.

"How to" resources

Instructors should prepare themselves well in advance of the quiz, test, or exam. An array of learning materials is available for this purpose, including:

• In the “Quizzes” subsection of your course in UM Learn you will find Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor quick guides and helpful videos and tutorials.

Inform your students!
Student awareness and practice are key to the successful use of Respondus applications. Students will be asked to agree to the terms of service, install and set up the applications on their computers and become familiar with how to use them. Please ensure that your students have access to the information and resources they need to prepare well in advance of any quiz, test, or exam with either LockDown Browser or LockDown Browser + Monitor enabled.

"How to" resources for students

Point your students towards these resources:

UM Learn > Support > Quizzes subsection

• Respondus for Students
• UM Respondus Monitor Student Guide
• Introduction to Respondus Lockdown Browser for Students

Ask an Expert consultation

Book a one-on-one one-hour appointment with a learning technology expert from The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning. This is a great opportunity for a personalized consultation if you have any specific questions regarding the Respondus applications. Appointments are available on both campuses and are either face-to-face or by phone. Book an Ask an Expert appointment today.

Please see Academic Integrity for further information on promoting academic integrity and preventing academic misconduct.

The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning provides technical support for Respondus. Our license with Respondus, Inc. does not permit instructors to obtain support directly from Respondus, Inc. If our staff is unable to solve a particular question or problem by using the Respondus 4.0 resource site, we will contact Respondus, Inc. on your behalf.