Blackboard Lockdown Browser

Blackboard Lockdown Browser is a specialized browser used to securely isolate testing environments during assessments. Instructors may choose to utilize this tool on any graded assessments within their course.

Students cannot print, navigate away from the page, or close it until it has been submitted – plus use its webcam functionality for proctored exams in lab settings.

Security

Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB) is a custom browser created to safeguard students’ testing environments within Blackboard. When instructors require LDB for an assessment test, students cannot access it with any other browser or by installing unapproved applications or programs on their computers. Print and screen capture are disabled; Task Manager cannot be accessed; full screen assessments prevent students from copying from other websites while taking tests; once an exam has been submitted they can exit LDB.

LockDown Browser works effectively when used alongside Blackboard Monitor, an online proctoring service that helps institutions protect the integrity of unproctored online exams, to reduce cheating by blocking unauthorized activity on students’ computers. The software makes a video recording of each student during an exam and analyzes it to look for any suspicious activities such as using forbidden materials or shutting off webcam during testing, then reports any possible violations to an instructor who then watches and flags it for review.

Academic integrity software also features security features to protect student personal information and prevent unwarranted access. Once an exam has concluded, only limited data remains on local computers for storage; after expiry it must be deleted or overwritten before being permanently lost. Instructors can add password protection for assessments to prevent students from viewing or opening it themselves.

LockDown Browser may experience some technical glitches similar to any software application; for instance, some students have reported being mistakenly kicked out of tests or having them automatically flagged – both experiences that can be very stressful for students taking exams using it. Furthermore, students using assistive technology have reported issues using it properly with their devices.

Blackboard provides technical support for students experiencing issues with LockDown Browser; however, students may still not be able to use it if their devices or internet connections don’t function as expected. Because of this possibility, students should try not to use Chromebooks when taking an exam that requires its use.

Access

Blackboard provides an ideal testing environment through its custom browser, preventing students from printing, copying, visiting other websites or accessing other applications on their computer during assessments – and they cannot submit or close out an exam until it has been graded by Blackboard.

Respondus Lockdown Browser’s webcam component, Monitor, uses Amazon Web Services to record students in class and provides live feed for instructors to observe proctored test-takers. However, the system depends on internet connectivity; should internet connection become unavailable students will not be able to take tests that require Monitor.

Students unable to access course content due to lost monitoring software will receive an email from Blackboard informing them that their access may have been denied and suggesting additional monitoring may be required for that student. Instructors can then use this information in assessing if extra proctoring may be required.

Faculty can require their students to use Respondus LockDown Browser by creating a test in Blackboard as they normally would and selecting “Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam” on the Test Options page. They can also select password protection for room scan and screen recording (which are both optional features).

After clicking the link, students will be directed to download their browser and should follow any instructions displayed on-screen to ensure all other programs have been closed before beginning their exam. After downloading is complete, students will be directed back into Blackboard Assessment where they must enter their USC Net ID and Password before going through an identity verification process and taking their exam.

Before administering tests that require students to use Respondus Tools, it’s advisable to provide them with both an instructional video and student quick start guide for them to familiarize them with how these products function. Both documents can be found within Respondus Tools on myMason sites. In addition, consider creating a short non-graded practice quiz in order to familiarize students with how these tools operate before graded assessments come along requiring their use.

Time

While an exam is underway, students cannot access other applications, programs, websites and files not authorized for assessment. This provides an additional layer of security during remote proctored tests.

Once an exam is finished, students can regain access to their computers by closing the Respondus Lockdown browser or by logging out of Blackboard which will also close it. After doing this, their regular browser should allow them to navigate back to the course containing their test.

Respondus provides its students with a dedicated help site for its software. Students can reach technical support via email, chat or phone and receive assistance as needed. Furthermore, Respondus’ FAQ page contains useful troubleshooting tips and other resources for troubleshooting purposes.

Lockdown Browser and Monitor instructors can ensure their students enjoy an effective experience when first using these products by providing them with information about these tools. An Information for Your Students (Word document) tailored specifically for your course can be placed where students will see it prior to using these products for the first time; such as course information, syllabus or Learning Module where this requirement will exist.

Note that most issues with Lockdown Browser and Monitor arise because a student’s machine doesn’t meet system requirements, so be sure to encourage students to verify whether or not their computers meet minimum specifications. Also, giving practice quizzes might help students work through any problems which arise; doing so reduces their likelihood of encountering these issues during exams or quizzes.

Convenience

Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser developed specifically for Blackboard that secures exam environments to prevent students from printing, copying, visiting other URLs or switching applications during assessments. In conjunction with Respondus Monitor it allows instructors to watch students taking online assessments via webcam – providing institutions with an effective tool against non-proctored exam cheating concerns and available for both Windows and Mac platforms.

Students wishing to use this software must be connected to the Internet and possessing both a camera and administrator account/password for their device, which will allow them to download and install a browser from this page onto their device. Once they are ready to take an exam, they must enter both credentials into their browser in order to log-in and start the exam process.

After an exam is finished, students can close their browsers and gain access to their computers again. The software sends red flags directly to proctors if it detects suspicious behavior; proctors then look at each student’s screen for signs of cheating – saving time and money for schools that cannot hire enough proctors for large populations of students.

Though the software may be convenient for both students and proctors, it may not always be the optimal choice for certain tests. For instance, it does not support all forms of e-learning content, can be vulnerable to hacker attacks, and has even caused computers to crash! For this reason it is best to only utilize this solution alongside other proctoring solutions.

Instructors should set up a practice exam utilizing Respondus Lockdown Browser and/or Monitor prior to any graded exam that requires its use, in order to familiarize students with its features and ensure it works efficiently. Instructors are advised to deploy this practice exam at least 48 hours before the actual test, giving students time to correct any issues with Respondus.