Adu Lockdown Browser
To preserve academic integrity and prevent cheating on online tests, Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB) restricts student access to websites and applications during assessments.
By choosing the Monitor option during quiz setting, instructors can add webcam monitoring to any question using LDB. If they need help, students can access live chat support that is available around-the-clock within the software.
Features
An online proctoring application called Adu Lockdown Browser keeps an eye on test-takers while they take tests. To help prevent cheating during online assessments and in-person exams, the software can also restrict the keystrokes, programs, and desktop settings utilized during an exam time. accessible for use on iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. To ensure that it has all of the newest features and capabilities, updates must be routinely deployed.
Although browser lockdown may assist in discouraging student cheating, it may not be the best way to ensure exam integrity in remote locations. The software is unable to record voice or video, detect devices like tablets or phones, or detect pupils using text-to-speech or screen-sharing programs, among other limitations.
Requiring students to utilize Respondus Lockdown Browser (RLDB) when taking online tests has been shown to be an effective strategy to stop these kinds of problems. During assessments given through Canvas, this custom browser limits students’ ability to print, copy, visit another URL, or use other programs; once an assessment in RLDB starts, it stays open until it is submitted for grading by its student developer.
Before incorporating the RLDB into a graded assessment, instructors should give students a low-risk, zero-point opportunity to practice using it. Before implementing it in an assessment test, instructors should develop a brief quiz that students can access in an accessible content area so they can get comfortable with it and address any potential issues. By doing this, they can practice using it without using it during a real evaluation test.
When using the emergency exits during an exam, students must give a reason for their exit and are not allowed to enter the exam again until they have finished. Students should use the Support button on their screen to contact a live support person if they run into technical difficulties during an exam session in RLDB or RS Monitor. This service is provided at no cost to anyone taking an exam in either environment.
Requirements
Exams can only be taken on computers with Internet access by Respondus Lockdown Browser-using students. All other computer programs on the student’s computer should be shut down before starting a test in LockDown Browser. Other programs may obstruct the browser’s operation and result in issues when taking quizzes and tests. Students should check their devices for viruses and malware and make sure they have the most recent version of their browser installed. They can do this by choosing “About” from the toolbar, hitting “Check for Update,” or by utilizing the links on the Respondus website to obtain the most recent versions.
Through an LTI (Learning Tool Interoperability) interface into Canvas, SMU’s course management system, professors can use LockDown Browser. Please note that this is different from the standard quiz links in the left-side menu. Once faculty has activated the tool, students can access it by clicking a new button in their navigation bar.
When it’s time for assessment, students taking their quiz or test can open the LockDown Browser in a different tab, verify their IDs, check their webcams, and run system checks before beginning their assessment procedure. They can use the application to contact their instructor if they run into technical difficulties throughout the assessment so that any problems can be accurately reported.
Exams require students to close the browser and switch to their default browser before they may begin working on assignments. When finished, students can use the “Submit Quiz” button to send their assessment to the teacher for grading. The instructor will then be able to mark the assessment as usual after they have seen that it has been submitted.
When administering online exams, instructors should emphasize to students the importance of using a connected Ethernet connection. Due to these less reliable means of connectivity, students who rely on wireless, USB modem, laptop connect card, or mobile hotspot connections may experience dropped or interrupted connections with Canvas Server, which could lead to erroneous answers and lost time during exams.
Installation
For Blackboard’s online exams, some professors use the LockDown Browser with Respondus Monitor. By prohibiting printing, copying, and website browsing during an exam, this browser is made to secure student testing environments. Students can only print or submit their work once it has been turned in. On its website, Respondus offers software that may be downloaded and installed on both Windows and Mac computers under the Student Resources category. Once it is installed, its installer will look for any other programs that are already active and prompt them to shut down. Before an exam, students should run this installer on their computers to ensure that it functions as intended. They should also check the LockDown Browser FAQ page for troubleshooting tips and to see if their operating system and web browser are compatible.
The Lockdown Browser can be installed by selecting “Install Now.” Once it’s finished, a desktop program will show up that will allow you to take the quiz or test. As the Canvas server increases bandwidth usage during an exam, wireless connections may experience sporadic lag or dropped/interrupted connections, resulting in freeze-ups, incorrect answers not saving or submitting, and images loading very slowly or not at all, which makes it difficult to take the quiz or exam.
It is essential that all other programs on a computer, including antivirus software and any others with open windows or screen overlays, are closed before installing and using the Lockdown Browser and Monitor applications. Additionally, you should turn off any additional monitors connected to the computer and unplug any external hard disks or USB drives that are connected to it by wires. For videos, guides, and technical help, students should make sure their computers fulfill the minimum system requirements listed under the Student Resources tab.
Use the Help Center button in the top-right corner to access live chat assistance if you are experiencing problems with the system check in the Lockdown Browser. They will help you resolve your problems promptly and efficiently. Prior to taking quizzes or exams in the Lockdown Browser, students should make sure their webcam is operational. If it is not, they should restart their computers and take care of any security windows that may have shown.
Setup
For usage with our courseware, students registered in UB Learns must download and install the Respondus Lockdown Browser, which can be obtained by clicking the Install link under Resources for Students on this page. It is recommended that Respondus Lockdown Browser be installed on an unrelated device because there may already be installed programs that could interfere with Respondus Lockdown Browser installation. After downloading the installer, follow its instructions for installation. Administrator privileges will be required to do this successfully.
Once your installation is finished, you can access and launch the application straight from computers in the lab or myMason/Blackboard; lab staff should help you with this. When you activate this application, it will transport you immediately to the learning management system at your school, where you may log in to take exams. If your course makes use of Monitor webcam recording software, you will also receive a practice quiz before graded tests.
Make sure to speak up in front of the webcam during the exam if you run into any issues so the instructor can help. When taking tests, you must have a dependable high-speed Internet connection. Wired connections are typically preferred because they avoid disconnections that can cause timeouts and lost data. Mobile hotspot and phone data connections shouldn’t be used because of the unpredictable data rates that could cause problems during testing sessions.
Contact your teacher if you are experiencing technical issues while taking an online exam, or go to the UB Learns Support webpage for more assistance. View your instructor’s quiz log as well to keep track of your exam’s progress; if you weren’t successful in finishing it the first time, follow the guidelines on UB Learns Support to retake it.