Free Lockdown Browser
As computer-based testing becomes an increasing component of higher education, it is increasingly essential to prevent digital cheating. LockDown Browser is a secure software solution designed to block students from printing, copying, right-clicking and using other apps during online tests or exams.
Instructors looking to require Respondus LockDown Browser or Monitor use can create a test assignment that demands it, though it is suggested that a practice exam take place prior to any graded assignments.
Features
As computer-based testing becomes ever more prevalent, students and universities must ensure exams are administered safely and reliably. Respondus Lockdown Browser software assists these goals by offering features designed to ensure security and reliability during online assessments, such as anti-cheating measures (preventing test takers from accessing other programs or websites during exams) as well as recording both video and audio during an assessment session.
Respondus Lockdown Browser software is compatible with various gadgets, including iPads. Students can download it through their institution’s learning management system or an official link provided for it, and install it on devices running Windows, Mac OS X, or Chromebook OS. Respondus Lockdown Browser users taking an online course that requires its use can find additional information through visiting their institution’s website or consulting with an instructor/proctor before engaging our 24-hour support team if any issues arise during an exam session.
Lockdown Browser does an effective job at restricting a student’s laptop functionality during assessments, yet it cannot prevent cheating through other means, such as having another person in the room with them or paper cheat sheets. Furthermore, it cannot stop students from opening assessments that have been designed for another browser; thus requiring students to take exams with a webcam or in a proctored environment when Respondus Monitor assessments require proctored environments for exam administration.
Students considering taking an online course that requires them to use this software should carefully read through their syllabus in order to make sure they possess a compatible computer equipped with webcam and are informed of any other prerequisites or requirements. They should familiarize themselves with its features before taking graded exams; additionally, it’s advisable for them to bring a portable charger should their device need charging during an assessment process.
Pricing
The browser is free for download and use, while webcam licensing costs $15 one-time fee that’s charged when an assessment or quiz requires this tool and lasts 365 days; students can pay online with either their credit card or PayPal account.
The software was specifically created to work seamlessly with Blackboard and Canvas courses, making integration easy for teachers. Available in multiple languages with support for mobile devices and most LMS systems. Although intrusive to personal privacy and flagging behaviors that it deems inappropriate, the program does provide more secure testing environments than traditional methods of proctoring.
While technology may help reduce cheating, students have discovered ways to subvert it. Such methods include taking screenshots or using disallowed help. Furthermore, software records the test taker’s surroundings which may aid in detecting any instances of cheating; monitoring eye movements to detect when someone looks away from their computer screen altogether is another strategy used by those seeking an advantage in taking tests.
Lockdown Browser can be installed on different operating systems, including Mac and Chromebook. It is compatible with many learning systems and virtual proctoring tools and can even be used for non-proctored assessments in both browser and full app mode.
Respondus Monitor connects seamlessly with browsers and allows instructors to record and evaluate student exam sessions, using its advanced computer vision and analytics system for automated proctoring. Respondus can identify hundreds of test-taking strategies as well as detect suspicious behavior; additionally, its risk rating function helps instructors quickly pinpoint exams that need additional review.
Software designed by CIT can be used to proctor an online assessment or course within learning systems such as Canvas or Schoology, with or without using webcam remote proctoring. To gain more knowledge of this program, attend a webinar, read its user manual or access step-by-step guides available through CIT knowledgebase.
Installation
LockDown Browser, a free download available to students, educators and administrators to prevent cheating during online assessments, installs a custom browser that can only be accessed through Blackboard Learn. Furthermore, its built-in monitor records students during exams by automatically capturing screen and audio capture; alerting instructors if someone attempts to bypass it.
To use the free version of Blackboard Learn, students must first register their accounts with Blackboard Learn and download software through their institution’s student portal. After they’ve finished registration and accepted the license agreement for installing, students need an Internet connection at school and computer that meets its specifications to use this version of the software.
Once installed, the software is user-friendly. It works seamlessly with students’ browsers while taking assessments and locks almost everything on the computer, including window closing or minimization, keyboard access and mouse use. Furthermore, students are limited to basic navigation actions if they fail to meet system requirements; otherwise they will be prevented from moving forward with their assessment.
Instructors can utilize the monitor feature of their browser to record both students’ faces and audio while taking an online assessment test, enabling teachers to review test results and make necessary adjustments afterward. It works on computers running Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS operating systems.
Respondus provides schools that use Canvas, Schoology, Moodle, Blackboard Learn or Sakai learning management systems with a free two-month trial of its LockDown Browser and Monitor suite – ideal for seeing how it fits with their curriculum – with its LockDown Browser and Monitor Suite LockDown Browser and Monitor Suite. Interested parties may register for one of several training sessions available near them to learn more about Respondus software; video recordings will also be made available afterward so anyone unable to attend can watch back later on!
Troubleshooting
Free Lockdown Browser from Respondus can help ensure online assessments remain fair by blocking students from accessing other applications on their computers during exams or printing/copying quizzes – enabling instructors to verify that students are indeed taking part in their assessment, not another’s.
While LockDown software can be highly effective, there may be times when it doesn’t function as expected. It may stop responding or freeze entirely if there are multiple other programs running that use Java and the internet (for instance iTunes and other media programs, instant messenger applications, file sharing agents or file hosting agents). In addition, if a student loses Internet connectivity during a test LockDown will no longer function, returning an error message that indicates there may be issues with its settings.
If students encounter an error that states “There is an issue with this exam’s settings” on their dashboards, they should contact their instructor. He or she can then resolve it by accessing Brightspace course and clicking “Fix it” next to exam that doesn’t function correctly.
Another possible explanation for why software may not be functioning correctly on student’s computers could be because it has been blocked by another program on the student’s PC, such as firewall or antivirus software, interfering with its functionality. If this is indeed the case, students are advised to restart their computers to remove any potential obstacles.
Face recognition may not always work properly when using LockDown’s webcam, such as in cases when there is too much light in a room, when wearing sunglasses or hats or when covering their face with objects like sunglasses. If facial recognition fails to work as intended, students can try changing lighting levels or position in front of the camera until recognition works again.
If the above resolutions do not provide relief, there may be an obstruction somewhere on their PC or in their ISP/network that is causing issues. If this is indeed the case, students should consult their instructors or IT professionals in order to resolve it as quickly as possible.