Respondus LockDown Browser

TLDR;

Respondus 4.0 Campus wide (Test Manager) is a test management software, used by faculty to create tests, quizzes, exams and surveys to administer to students.

Respondus Lockdown Browser is a web browser used by students to access and take Blackboard tests.

How do they work?

Respondus 4.0 and Blackboard both allow the instructor to create/originate tests within their respective applications. Where Respondus 4.0 excels is in it's ability to automatically convert properly formatted word documents into an online exam format. The Blackboard test creation system is better when creating new individual questions. Mostly because using the Respondus test manager requires the additional step of uploading the exam into the Blackboard course shell. Once uploaded to the Blackboard shell the exam is indistinguishable from ones created in the Blackboard Test Canvas. If not done when uploading from Respondus 4.0, the exams can then be deployed in the course for students to take.

Regardless from where a test originates, when it is deployed in a course it can have Respondus Lockdown Browser enabled to work with it. You can set or reset enablement by going to the Control Panel, expanding Course Tools, and selecting the Respondus Lockdown Browser option. On your first visit you will be presented with some information on how the Browser works, you can then select Continue to LockDown Browser to see the list of all deployed exams in your class. You can then modify the setting of the test selected to require the LockDown Browser or not. This process will automatically add "MUST BE TAKEN WITH RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER" to the test title.

Note: This name will carry over if a course is copied, but the setting to require Respondus doesn't always. You will either need to go through the process to enable the LockDown Browser for the exam again in the new class or click the Fix It button in the Course Tool for the exam to be properly registered in the new class.

When Respondus LockDown Browser is enabled, a student will not be allowed to take the test without it. They will get stuck at a page in Blackboard asking for a password to start the exam. The student must switch browsers to the Respondus lockdown browser, then login to Blackboard and navigate back to the test to start. At that point it should allow the student to start the exam without requiring a password.  

How do they work together?

In summary, the steps are as follows:

• Create the test. Either in Blackboard or in Respondus 4.0 Campus wide (Test Manager) and upload it to Blackboard.
• Deploy the exam to a content area and set the test availability. Either in Blackboard or when uploading the test from Respondus 4.0.
• The student then takes the test on the chosen day through Respondus Lockdown browser

Respondus Monitor

Respondus Monitor™ is a companion product for LockDown Browser that enables institutions to protect the integrity of non-proctored, online exams. Students use their own computer and a webcam to record assessment sessions, all without leaving the institution's learning management system.

More information about Respondus Monitor>>>

Instructor Live Proctoring *Beta*

Institutions that license LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor have an additional remote proctoring option that works with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and other video systems. The new “Instructor Live Proctoring” option uses LockDown Browser to prevent cheating on the computer itself, while the instructor watches students via video conferencing. This method is only recommended for small class sizes where instructors can effectively observe and track students during the exam.

More information about Live Proctoring>>>

More about Zoom

Operating Systems

Hard Disk Space

Windows: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive

Mac: 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive

Browser Requirements

LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed to a local computer. Both the Windows edition and the Mac edition of the browser are based on Chromium, Google's open source framework. Students do NOT need Google's Chrome browser installed; nor will this version affect a Chrome browser that's already installed.

Internet Connection

Do not use wireless connections when taking tests in Respondus LockDown Browser. Students should use a computer that is connected to the Internet through a high-speed wired connection. It is not recommended that the student take tests on a computer with a wireless connection to the Internet because it is very possible that they will lose connection during their test.

The sample text below can be used in your course or syllabus. It explains that students must use LockDown Browser for their online tests.

Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=957936032 

[Instructor Note: If you only use one type of quiz in Canvas, we recommend that you rework the next section to remove mentions to whichever quiz type you do not use.]

Canvas has two different quiz types, for more information about Quizzes in Canvas see the following entries in the Canvas Student Guide:

• How do I view Quizzes as a student
• How do I take a Classic Quiz?
• How do I take a quiz in New Quizzes?

For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review the Student Quick Start Guide (PDF) for the quiz type that is being used.

• Classic Quizzes
• New Quizzes

Finally, when taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

• Select a location where you won't be interrupted.
• If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the Webcam Check and System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, rerun the checks before starting the test.
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it.
• Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc., and don't have them within reach.
• Clear your area of all external materials that are not permitted to be used, i.e. books, papers, and other computers or electronic devices.
• Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test.
• LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you cannot exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

Using Monitor

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following extra guidelines:

• Select a location where you are comfortable having a video recording taken of yourself and your workspace environment. This area should also be free of distractions and interruptions.
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims.
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or any other surface where the device (or you) is likely to move.
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete.
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window.

To ensure that your first exam using LockDown Browser runs smoothly! Have students take an ungraded practice quiz that requires the use of LockDown Browser, before the graded exam occurs. There should be one for you to use located in the Authentication and Proctoring for Academic Integrity content area of your classes.

If you are also using Monitor, Direct students to use the Help Center prior to their first exam. With LockDown Browser open, log into the course and select the Help Center button the toolbar. From there, run the Webcam Check and the System Check to make sure everything is working properly. It would also be a good idea from them to run an internet speed test to check that they do have a good connection before starting the exam. If a problem is indicated, students can search for a solution in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information, like the date, time, Blackboard ID, and location of the test in the class, can also be emailed to the ITS helpdesk to ensure that students have an easier time if they need any support starting their exam. 

Leave the quiz available for the duration of the course, with unlimited attempts, so students can access it again if they use a different computer.

Respondus Resources

Training Webinars

Register for a free training webinar on LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor.

Getting Started with LockDown Browser

10 Reasons to use LockDown Browser

Download LockDown Broswer for the ASU System

Instructor Quick Start Guides

• Canvas (Classic Quizzes)
• Canvas (New Quizzes)

Resources for your Students

Canvas has two different quiz types, for more information about Quizzes in Canvas see the following entries in the Canvas Student Guide:

• How do I view Quizzes as a student
• How do I take a Classic Quiz?
• How do I take a quiz in New Quizzes?

For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review the Student Quick Start Guide (PDF) for the quiz type that is being used.

• Classic Quizzes
• New Quizzes

Technical Support

Visit the Canvas Support section for technical questions or to submit a ticket.