If UPAEP uses the Respondus Monitor add-on (automated proctoring), the following video features are enabled:
Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) is a custom web browser that restricts student computer activity during online exams to help maintain academic integrity. Many universities, including UPAEP (Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla), use LDB together with learning management systems (LMS) or proctoring tools (e.g., Respondus Monitor) to run secure assessments.
Below is a thorough, structured educational guide covering what LDB is, how it’s used at universities like UPAEP, practical setup and troubleshooting, instructor best practices, student guidance, accessibility and privacy considerations, and a short FAQ.
Respondus Lockdown Browser is a customized web browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system (LMS). At UPAEP, the primary LMS is Blackboard (though some faculties may use Canvas or Moodle). When you use this browser to take a quiz or exam, you cannot print, copy, go to other URLs, access other applications, or close the test until it is submitted. respondus lockdown browser upaep
Why UPAEP relies on it:
For UPAEP, which prides itself on academic excellence and ethical formation (Formación Humana y Cristiana), digital integrity tools like Respondus are non-negotiable for online and hybrid courses.
Despite lockdown, UPAEP students have documented workarounds (shared via Telegram and Discord groups): If UPAEP uses the Respondus Monitor add-on (automated
| Workaround | Method | |------------|--------| | Second computer | Use a separate laptop/tablet placed beside monitor for searching answers. | | Virtual machine | Run RLDB inside a VM, then switch to host OS (requires advanced setup; sometimes detected). | | External HDMI recorder | Capture screen externally (undetectable by RLDB). | | Pre-written notes | Physical notes stuck to screen edges or keyboard. | | Bluetooth earpiece | Small hidden earpiece with a remote assistant. |
Conclusion: RLDB raises the bar for casual cheating but does not eliminate determined cheating.
Assuming UPAEP configures LDB similarly to other universities: Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) is a custom web
(If you need UPAEP-specific policies, schedules, or links, provide that request and I’ll use location-aware search to fetch current institutional pages.)
It’s important to note what Lockdown Browser cannot do or where it may cause friction:
| Issue | Description | |-------|-------------| | No Chromebooks (generally) | Lockdown Browser does not work on Chrome OS unless UPAEP has a specific workaround. | | Admin rights required | Installation requires local administrator permissions on Windows/Mac. | | No iPad full lockdown | The iPad version exists but has fewer restrictions (e.g., split screen may still work). | | Does not detect phones | The software cannot detect a smartphone placed on the student’s lap. This requires Monitor’s webcam view. | | Potential false flags | Looking down to write on paper or adjusting lighting can trigger “suspicious behavior” flags. | | No Linux support | UPAEP students using Linux cannot run Lockdown Browser. |
Solution: Did you install Windows on a Mac via Parallels or VMware? Respondus will block virtual machines. You must boot natively into Windows via Boot Camp or use the Mac version of Respondus.