Kaplan Lockdown Browser Respondus
Lockdown Kaplan An anti-cheating application called Browser Respondus was developed expressly to stop cheating on Blackboard’s online tests. While taking an exam, it forbids students from printing, copying, accessing other URLs, and printing.
The web camera provided with this add-on, called Respondus Monitor, deters student cheating by documenting any incidents. For particular exams in their course, instructors can turn on this camera.
Features
Respondus Lockdown Browser is a security solution for assessments that keeps students from using other programs or the Internet while taking quizzes. It also adds an extra degree of security by enabling instructors to view each student’s computer and turn on cameras when needed. For further information, please check University of North Texas Dallas’s Printable Guide for Respondus Lockdown Browser (Windows, Mac, and Chromebook). Available for Windows, Mac, and Chromebook devices alike with configuration mostly managed within Canvas.
LockDown Browser limits student internet access so they are less likely to cheat by looking up answers online or asking their peers for help. Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor’s accompanying software safeguard the integrity of online assessments by allowing instructors to watch student screen activity and record exam sessions. This feature is particularly crucial when taking an exam online without an exam proctor present.
Before beginning a test session, students should make sure their testing environment is secure by closing any programs that might conflict with the browser’s functionality, such as instant messenger software or media management software like iTunes. These programs all increase the risk that the browser’s functionality could be compromised.
Since online exams require more bandwidth than standard web browsing, it is strongly advised that students taking an exam through Blackboard use an Ethernet connection rather than wireless internet or USB modems. Wireless connections may result in dropped or interrupted connections and should therefore be avoided as much as possible.
Prior to deciding on their licensing option, institutions have the opportunity to test-drive Respondus Monitor’s software for free for two months. Universities that opt to continue using Respondus have the option of flat fees or tiered pricing, where seats are bought in increments of 1,000 seats. In either instance, they have access to a 30-day money-back guarantee in the event that they are dissatisfied with Respondus Monitor.
Compatibility
Although it is built on the same system elements and configurations as Internet Explorer for Windows (IE) and Safari for Macintosh (Safari), this browser was made especially to function with the machines and operating systems that students already have. To ensure compatibility, we urge them to download the most recent version.
Although browser compatibility is a goal, there may still be some restrictions. Students should close all open programs on their computer before performing a hard shutdown (i.e. unplugging the power cable and batteries if using a laptop) to avoid a common problem where an application running in the background interferes with browser functionality and causes it to freeze or crash.
To lessen the likelihood of failed or interrupted connections to Canvas’ server, which could result in lost progress on quizzes or exams, LockDown Browser uses an Ethernet (wired) Internet connection during tests. Compared to their wired equivalents, wireless, USB modem, laptop connect card, and mobile hotspot connections are more prone to connection drops that result in dropped or interrupted sessions.
The Chromebook plugin for LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor only works with examinations supplied through Canvas; it won’t work with exams delivered through Blackboard Learn, D2L Brightspace, Moodle, or Schoology (though Respondus Monitor still works on those platforms, it should be noted). It will be pre-installed for students using campus-based browsers by default, although teachers can individually disable it for each exam if they so want.
An instructor can now enable LockDown Browser for iPad for a specific quiz by downloading the app for free from the Apple App Store. When used in conjunction with LockDown Browser, Respondus Monitor helps to prevent cheating on non-proctored online tests. Instructors must enable this version by checking the box labeled “Require Respondus LockDown Browser” when creating their quiz page.
Installation
A customized browser called Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor (LDB) is intended to stop students from printing, copying, going to another URL, or using other programs while taking an online test. LDB may be installed on both Windows and Mac systems, and it comes with a webcam that enables teachers to watch students take exams in order to catch cheating and confirm student identity.
Students must install and activate LDB with an installer provided by their instructor via Canvas’ course links before taking an LDB quiz that calls for it. When installation is finished, a button will show up in their browser toolbar that, when clicked, opens LDB for any quiz that calls for LDB.
LDB can become unresponsive or stall when certain computer programs, including BitTorrent, iTunes, media management software, and other file-sharing apps, are active. It is advised that these programs be closed prior to taking an exam in Canvas using LDB to avoid this problem occurring again.
NMSU currently supports LDB on Macs running OSX 10.11 and Windows machines running up to Windows 8.1. On Respondus’ official website, students can download and install the free version of LDB for desktop computers or Chromebooks; however, this version only offers quiz-taking functionality that has been approved by an instructor for use with LDB in their course and does not support webcam functionality.
You can take quizzes in Canvas that support LDB on Chromebooks running Chrome OS and Google accounts, however there might be some restrictions with this setup. If a student has questions about utilizing a USB keyboard and mouse, they should speak with their instructor before using an unsupported operating system. Additionally, wireless connections raise the possibility of interruptions during online tests, whereas an Ethernet connection should yield the best outcome
Security
By preventing students from using Google or messaging apps to seek up answers while taking quizzes or exams, LockDown Browser safeguards testing settings for students. It also discourages cheating by recording exam sessions on its webcam. Compatible with exams made available by instructors through Canvas, Blackboard Learn, D2L Brightspace, and Schoology as well as student-owned devices; can also be used with Respondus Monitor, an automated proctoring system.
Teachers should pick LockDown Browser with Monitor from the Edit Settings menu of the quiz if the test demands it. This will block students from using other programs or websites while taking an exam in AsULearn, while they can still print or save files to their desktops and utilize other computer capabilities.
Together, the LockDown Browser and Monitor technologies provide a very secure test-taking environment. In addition to recording exam sessions, they also identify and block applications and features that can obstruct test taking, such as Microsoft Edge, Dell Dock, and Google Toolbar. Additionally, this program alerts pupils to any running conflicting programs; if any are, they are asked to close them right away.
In addition to recording video of an exam session, Respondus Monitor also gathers personal information about its users, including their identity (obtained through an API from their LMS), the date, time, and the justification for skipping an exam session. Respondus keeps this personal information on servers in the US; in terms of GDPR, Respondus is the “processor” and its licensing organization is the “controller.
Security windows that have appeared behind your browser may be to blame for software issues or blank screens. Close and take care of any unwanted pop-up windows for these security windows before continuing the exam; if necessary, get further assistance from their institution’s support staff right away.