Chamberlain LockDown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser is a special browser designed to assist students taking tests in Canvas. It prevents students from printing, copying, going to another page or using outside tools during an examination period.
Students enrolled in courses requiring graded quizzes must use this browser, either using its custom Yale download link in advance, or directly within Canvas itself during a quiz.
Features
Effectively thwarting cheating during online assessments. Utilizing webcam and video technology, this solution requires students to show identification, complete an environment check, and record short videos of their exam setup prior and during the assessment session. Furthermore, it flags instances such as leaving the room, someone entering frame or looking down at book that can then be reviewed by instructors after completion of session.
Lockdown Browser and Monitor are unique proctoring tools because they fully integrate with Canvas, enabling students to download and use the software without needing to register or log into a separate system. Instructors can create practice quizzes with Monitor settings enabled so students have time to download, install and test out Lockdown before taking an official graded quiz.
Students should follow these steps to access quizzes with all of the software needed: To do so, students should click on the RLDB icon in their course navigation menu (step 1) which will open a standard browser that prompts them to login and navigate directly to their assessment, just like any other exam would do. On reaching their assessment page they’ll see an option labeled “Launch Lockdown Browser,” which they should click to initiate installation of their software.
Installation
Installation is quick and straightforward; students only need to download and open LockDown Browser once. Once installed, students can launch it from Blackboard by first opening a standard browser (in step 1) then selecting their course with exams (step 2).
Students launching the browser will not be allowed to print, copy, visit another URL or access other applications; rather, their assessments must remain active until submitted for grading – this prevents cheating by using messaging, screen sharing or virtual machines applications to record and review assessments; it also disables right-click menu options, function keys and keyboard shortcuts while taking assessments.
Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor enhance the proctored experience by protecting the integrity of online assessments while providing instructors with tools for student verification through webcam check and other requirements (such as an Environment Check) during exam sessions. Furthermore, Respondus flags behaviors like students leaving their computer during an exam or someone entering their video frame which can later be reviewed by instructors after an exam session has concluded.
Instructors should create a brief, non-graded quiz with LockDown Browser and Monitor settings activated so students have an opportunity to become acquainted with this tool before being expected to use it for exams or quizzes. This may be done from their Learning Management System and embedded within syllabus or course where it is being required by instructors – providing an ideal way for them to learn how to install and utilize it ahead of the actual quiz or exam date.
Requirements
Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor integrate seamlessly with Canvas to prevent cheating during online exams. The custom browser locks down the quizzing environment to prevent students from printing, copying, visiting another URL, or accessing any applications on their computers during quizzing sessions. A webcam and video technology are used to record students and provide extra data such as whether or not someone left their seat during an exam or entered the video frame during testing sessions.
Students wanting to use Respondus LockDown Browser must first download it on their computer. Each institution that licenses this software has their own version which automatically directs learners back to their learning management system login page upon launch. For students’ sake, we advise instructors who require Respondus LockDown Browser create a practice non-graded exam so students become acquainted with this software before actually having to use it during an exam.
Troubleshooting
Some students experience browser issues when taking an exam, which may be caused by an unstable Internet connection. To ensure optimal results while taking exams in the browser, students are recommended to utilize an Ethernet connection; less reliable connections such as wireless modems or mobile hotspots could potentially experience connection issues during an exam, leading to errors when trying to save answers, move onto another question, submit their exam or exit their browser altogether.
Students can avoid these errors by connecting to the Internet using either an Ethernet cable, switching networks or using a portable laptop with built in Ethernet capability. Furthermore, iPad version of LockDown Browser should also be considered if allowed by their instructor.
Programs running simultaneously with others could potentially freeze or stop responding, particularly those using Java or the Internet such as iTunes and other media managers, file sharing agents like Bittorent, instant messaging applications or others that access online content are running simultaneously. Therefore it is wise to close down such applications before using a browser for an exam.
if a program freezes or stops responding during use, it can be challenging to get it up and running again. To restore normal operation it is suggested that students reboot both computer and browser (depending on type, this may include powering down completely by disconnecting cables/batteries for example) in addition to checking security windows that may have opened in the background to address as necessary.