Respondus

Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment for tests taken in Blackboard. If you enable LockDown Browser for a Blackboard test, students will be unable to copy, print, access other applications, visit other websites, or close the test until it is submitted. LockDown Browser functions much like a standard browser, but some options are removed or work differently, and it is meant to be used in live proctoring situations. For online proctoring, instructors will need to require Respondus Monitor, which uses a web camera to record a student during the exam in addition to LockDown Browser.

Instructors now have the ability to use Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate in conjunction with LockDown Browser for a live proctoring experience. LockDown Browser can work to secure the digital testing environment while the instructor monitors the students in real time.

Before getting started with Respondus, review the Office of the Dean of Student’s Academic Integrity page.

AVAILABLE TO: Faculty | Students | Staff

FUNDED BY: University

For Instructors and Students

LockDown Browser

  • The LockDown Browser toolbar is modified to only include Forward, Back, Refresh, and Stop functions.
  • All access to other applications is disabled.
  • Students cannot enter a web address to go to another site, and they cannot open other tabs (unless a link to another site is included within a test question).
  • The browser is displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized, resized, or exited until the test is submitted.
  • All printing, keyboard shortcuts (including copy/paste), screen capture, function keys, and right-click menus are disabled.

Respondus Monitoring

Once a Blackboard test is created and deployed in the course, the instructor can choose to require just the LockDown Browser, or the instructor can also require Respondus Monitoring, which is remote proctoring, watch this Respondus Monitoring video for more information.

Live Proctoring with Lock Down Browser

Using the Lock Down Browser, instructor and students meet in the video conferencing application at a specified time. When ready, the instructor provides students with a start code for the online exam. Students then minimize the meeting window, start LockDown Browser, and begin the test. The instructor can watch students via the video conferencing system for the duration of the exam. Instructor Live Proctoring does NOT record the student video, nor does it alert the instructor to suspicious events. These features are only available with Respondus Monitor, the automated proctoring solution. Once students have submitted their exam, they should exit out of LockDown Browser. They will then have full access to the meeting session

Accessibility

Respondus LockDown Browser offers accessibility features that allows users to easily navigate and read the Respondus web interface. The web interface supports screen readers for all available creator and viewer interfaces. The web interface also support keyboard access, allowing you to use the tab key to access all available functions. All sessions fully support adding and displaying captions.

Respondus tools are not accessible to all screen readers. Test these resources before requesting students to use them.

For additional information on Respondus’ accessibility features, please visit Respondus’ Accessibility Conformance Report (WCAG Edition).

Please note that you will need to ensure that your students have installed Respondus LockDown Browser before the assessment date. Place a link to the Respondus Installation for Students in your course and share the link in an announcement to remind students.

Enabling LockDown Browser for a Quiz, Test, or Exam

  1. Login into Blackboard.
  2. Go into the Original View course that you want to use LockDown Browser in.
  3. Under Course Management, click on Course Tools.
  4. Select Respondus LockDown Browser tool.
  5. First the LockDown Browser Resources will be displayed, review the tutorials provided and when ready select the Continue to LockDown Browser button on the lower right hand side of the screen.
  6. Now, you will see a list of all quizzes, tests, and exams currently in your course.
  7. Select the chevron icon next to the assessment that you want to enable LockDown Browser in.
  8. Under the LockDown Browser Settings, select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.
    1. You can add a password for students to use to access the exam.
    2. You can also enable advanced settings.
  9. Once you have adjusted all your settings, select the Save + Close button to save your changes.

Enabling Proctoring for a Quiz, Test, or Exam

  1. Follow the steps to enable LockDown Browser, once you select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam (step 8) you will see the Proctoring settings open.
  2. There are two choices for proctoring the assessment:
    1. Require Respondus Monitor (automated proctoring) for this exam.
    2. Allow instructor live proctoring for this exam.
  3. Once you have adjusted all your settings, select the Save + Close button to save your changes.

Make sure to view the tutorials on this page or register for training before starting to use Respondus in your classroom.

Please note that Respondus LockDown Browser and Proctoring is not available for Ultra View courses.

Instructor Resources

Want to learn more about creating tests and exams in Blackboard Learn? Please visit the Blackboard Assessments & Grading and the Blackboard Learn — Learning Management System sections of the LTS website.

Student Resources

Recommended Practices

Respondus LockDown Browser is straightforward to use, but there are some suggested recommended practices that will help it go smoothly for your students.

  • Do not change test name – Once you have enabled Respondus LockDown Browser on a test, do not change the name of the test, or Respondus will not work correctly
  • Do not modify the test password – If you want to set a password for the test, do so via the Respondus LockDown Browser settings and not the Test Settings. Respondus uses the password field to prevent students from taking the test from another browser, and modifying the password in Test Settings will prevent it from working correctly
  • Add a statement to the syllabus – Explain to students early that they must use Respondus LockDown Browser for their online exams. Respondus provides a sample syllabus statement you may want to include or modify
  • Hold a practice test or quiz – Before students need to use Respondus LockDown Browser for a high-stakes test or a quiz, have them complete a brief practice quiz to demonstrate that they have installed the browser and it is functioning correctly. This quiz can be for a few points extra credit or no poin

Updating Respondus

Make sure to update this tool prior to using it for a final exam by following the below instructions.

  • For Windows users, start Respondus LockDown Browser, select the “i” button from the toolbar, and then click “Check for Newer Version.” Your current version will be displayed, and you will be able to download a newer version if one is available.
  • For Mac users, start Respondus LockDown Browser, select “About” from the toolbar, and then click “Check for Update.” The current version will be displayed, and you will be able to download a newer version if one is available.

You can also update LockDown Browser by downloading and running the full installation program again. This is the best option if the “Check for Newer Version” on your Respondus LockDown Browser application does not recognize the latest version.