Experiencing a proctored exam on Canvas involves using a specialised proctoring tool integrated directly into your Canvas course to maintain academic integrity. The most common of these tools is Respondus LockDown Browser, often combined with its Respondus Monitor feature. Understanding what a proctored exam on Canvas is like begins with the setup: you will be required to download and install the LockDown Browser—a custom browser that locks down your testing environment. This prevents you from printing, copying, going to another website, or accessing any other application on your computer for the duration of the exam.
Once you launch the exam, the experience of a proctored exam on Canvas with Monitor begins. The software will ask you to complete a webcam check and show your student ID to verify your identity. You will then be prompted to perform an environment scan, slowly moving your webcam around your room to show your workspace is clear of unauthorized materials. During the exam, your webcam and microphone will record you. The AI system analyzes this footage for potential red flags, such as looking away from the screen frequently, the presence of another person, or unusual noises. The entire interface within the LockDown Browser is streamlined, showing only the exam questions and a live feed of yourself. You cannot minimize the window or use keyboard shortcuts to exit.
Knowing what a proctored exam on Canvas is like beforehand helps you prepare: ensure you have a private, well-lit space, a stable internet connection, and have closed all other programs. While it may feel intimidating, the process is designed to be a straightforward, secure way to demonstrate your knowledge fairly alongside your peers.