Respondus LockDown Browser

Owned by Gabriel Garza
Last updated: Oct 22, 2024
4 min read

Respondus Lockdown Browser is special browser that attempts to prevent students from performing the following actions during the test:

  • Taking the Test from any Other Browser or Going to Non Specified Websites

  • Using Email or Messaging

  • Accessing Files Stored on their Computer or Other Applications

  • Printing or Capturing Screen Content

  • Using the Right Mouse Button

  • Using Function Keys or Task Switching Keystrokes

  • Viewing the Source Code for a Page

General steps to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser

  1. Instructor Creates Test in Blackboard

  2. Instructor Specifies that the Test will Utilize Respondus Lockdown Browser

  3. Instructor Deploys the Test

  4. Students Download the Respondus LockDown Browser

  5. Students Launch the Respondus LockDown Browser and Take the Test

 

Configuring Respondus Lockdown Browser for the test

To set up a test in Blackboard Learn Ultra that requires students to use LockDown Browser, follow these steps or watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njhZi4tuSz0

1. Make sure the test has been deployed in the Blackboard course.

2. In the test, from the Test Settings menu, select the LockDown Browser Dashboard under Assessment Security.

image-20240903-193730.png

Alternatively, the Books & Course Tools section of the course navigation can be used to open the LockDown Browser Dashboard.

image-20240903-193504.png

3. A list of deployed tests will be displayed. > Tests labeled with Required require students to use LockDown Browser. > Tests labeled with Not Required do not require students to use LockDown Browser.

4. To change the settings, select Settings from the context menu to the left of the quiz title and select the desired option.

5. Several Advanced Settings are available:

> Require LockDown Browser to view feedback and results.

> Lock students into the browser until exam is completed. This is sometimes used in testing centers where a proctor can enter a password to exit an exam early.

> Allow students to take the exam with an iPad, using the free LockDown Browser app.

> Allow students to access a list of specified web domains during the test.

> Enable Calculator or Print functions in the LockDown Browser toolbar. For additional information, select the [explain] link that follows each setting.

6. Click Save and Close to apply the settings

How Students Take the test via the Respondus Lockdown Browser
When students are ready to take their test, they must first do the following:

  • Close all email applications.

  • Close all any messaging systems (Slack, iMessage, etc.).

  • Close any screen capture applications.

  • Close all running applications.

Note that while the exam is running students will not be able to access other applications, web sites not designated in the exam, and files located on their computer.

  1. Launch the LockDown Browser.

  2. If asked, type the admin name and password for your computer.

  3. Lockdown Browser should automatically take you to Blackboard’s login page.

  4. Log into Blackboard as you normally do and open the course containing the test.

  5. Locate your exam and click it to begin taking the exam. (The Lockdown Browser will launch.)

  6. Once you have completed your exam, be sure to save and submit it.

  7. You may now close the Respondus LockDown browser.  Once Respondus shuts down, you will regain access to your computer.

Notes for Your Students

Students MUST download the Respondus Lockdown Browser on the computer they will be using to take the test.  Respondus does not automatically update, so students are encouraged to check their version on the download page below to ensure they have the most up-to-date version.  If USC computer lab computers are being used the Respondus Lockdown Browser must be installed on them before the test.  For students to download the Respondus Lockdown Browser, they can follow these steps:

  1. On the computer you will be taking the test from, click this link:
    https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=482591874

  2. If desired, watch the “Before you install” video.

  3. Click “Install Now“.

  4. Follow online instructions to install the Respondus Lockdown Browser on your computer.

Tips and Tricks

  • Faculty- create a practice test with 1 question so make sure all your students have downloaded and are ready for the in-class test when ready.

  • Most issues with Respondus start with a machine not meeting the system requirements.  Have your students ensure their machines meet these basic requirements to use Respondus.

  • If a student requests a password, they are not using Respondus.  Have them make sure they are using Respondus and not their normal browser.

  • Create a simple test that students can take unlimited times to allow them to become familiar with using Respondus.

 

https://video.syr.edu/media/t/1_0i87flh9