Free Lockdown Browser For Students
Software called Respondus Monitor, commonly known as Lockdown Browser, is used to detect suspicious activity and behavior during proctored online exams in order to avoid cheating.
This program is frequently required by teachers when giving quizzes or assessments to their students. All applicants are required to download and set up this program on their devices prior to the start of an exam.
Both in their instructions and on the Canvas quiz page, USF gives each of their students a unique download link.
Features
Respondus LockDown Browser gives you the ability to limit student access to other apps during class, which reduces the incentive for cheating on online exams. This function is perfect for proctored tests as well as self-directed testing in computer labs because students won’t be able to copy, paste, print, or surf other websites while an exam is taking place. They also won’t be able to close or restart their laptops.
The website for Respondus LockDown Browser includes a list of system requirements and accessibility features to help educators determine whether adopting Respondus LockDown Software will be beneficial for their classroom or lab environment. Additionally, there is a long list of compatible devices and operating systems that can run Respondus LockDown. Before adopting Respondus LockDown in their classrooms or labs, teachers should make sure all students have all necessary equipment.
Exams using the Respondus LockDown Browser will display on student computers as obligatory exams, urging them to open it and providing instructions and an optional download link if it is not already installed on their machine. A failing grade will be awarded for all exam attempts made without this program.
Before starting an exam, students should shut down all open programs on their computers. Before starting, some programs like Dropbox, Spotify, and Skype should be disabled. If antivirus protection software is already operating, it should also be terminated. Some programs may demand camera activation as a part of an inspection.
Respondus LockDown Browser provides a free two-month trial of its software to educational institutions utilizing learning management systems that support it, after which the full version and 24/7 LiveChat technical help are accessible.
Go to Settings in the far left menu of the Course Navigation bar and choose Enable Respondus Lockdown Browser to make Respondus Lockdown Browser available for usage in your course. Then, move Lockdown Browser up the list by clicking its arrow and highlighting its name; remind students to activate their software before exams; or set up an optional, ungraded practice exam that requires its use so they can become accustomed to its functionality before graded tests that require it.
Calls for a License
Students must get a license for Respondus Monitor, either by making a purchase or registering for a 30-day free trial license. If their institution has purchased campus-wide licenses, they can find Respondus from their learning management system login page and contact their instructor if more information is needed. They must then install it on their computer and follow the instructions for using it with Canvas.
Students can take online tests without being distracted by websites or applications thanks to the Lockdown Browser software, which also disables mouse and keyboard functions so that test-takers cannot use them to copy or print answers, navigate to another URL, or start other programs. The software is compatible with a variety of gadgets, including laptops and iPads.
Many learning management systems, including Canvas, Moodle, Schoology, and Sakai, can be linked with Respondus Lockdown. However, in order to successfully monitor students and deter cheating, Respondus Lockdown needs a special version of software created especially for use in academic settings, as well as having webcam functionality and being able to record student behaviors on-screen.
It can be used by students who are registered for courses that need this application and have access to the Blackboard Learn testing facility. Please carefully read the directions before taking an exam as other programs must also be closed and virus protection software may need to be disabled if relevant. TAMIU’s website has links for Windows, Mac, and Chromebook computers with system requirements lists for each operating system.
Students should become comfortable with Respondus Lockdown Browser before taking their first test. Before taking graded exams, a compatible computer with webcam support should be fully charged. Practice tests may also be helpful. Students should bring a charger because there aren’t many outlets in testing facilities.
Requires a Webcam
Students cannot print, copy, or access other websites with Respondus Lockdown Browser, but it also has a screen recording function that works with a webcam. By observing students’ body language and facial expressions during an online exam or quiz, instructors can keep an eye out for any potential signs of cheating. For example, repeated head movements may indicate that a student is not focused on the task at hand during an exam.
Respondus Webcam and Browser Students should make sure they are in a distraction-free environment, turn off any phones or tablets that might get in the way of their work, clear their desk of any extraneous items like books or papers, and only use webcams if they are required for specific tests in order to ensure proper placement and a smooth connection to their PC.
Students who are taking an online exam or quiz that calls for Respondus lockdown browser software can learn more about it on their institution’s website and seek assistance from qualified instructors or the proctor who has been designated by their teacher. Additionally, participants can use the integrated troubleshooting tool or the 24/7 LiveChat support to obtain help if any technical issues emerge during an exam.
To allow institutions to test out its goods before buying, Respondus offers free trials of them. Any learning management system (LMS) will offer a free trial where a test exam will be given; this enables institutions to determine whether the product satisfies their requirements; should this turn out to be the case, the LMS administrator can then install any server extensions required for their institution.
The Respondus browser is easy to use. Once the software has been installed, students can take an online exam by entering into their course and clicking on the exam link; if their professor has mandated that they use Respondus browsers, the exam menu will indicate “Required” next to the browser’s name.
Requires a Computer
Lockdown Browser is not necessary to pass tests or exams; nevertheless, teachers could insist on using it for proctored exams. A webcam is necessary for this software to work and it is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. Students should make sure their computer satisfies these requirements before taking an exam or test that calls for this tool so they can be confident it will work without any issues during an exam session.
Students must download and install the UNG-licensed version of Respondus Lockdown Browser software onto their computers in order to take Respondus Lockdown Browser (RLDB)-based exams. This software is accessible on Blackboard’s Student Resources tab. Once found, students should click the install option and follow the on-screen instructions. Depending on your operating system, you might also be prompted for an activation password or to sign up for a free 30-day trial. If any issues emerge, students should get in touch with their teacher for assistance.
A student can take an exam in Canvas after installing the necessary software. While some features, including print, screen capture, right-clicking, and tab switching are disabled during tests, it should be noted that mobile devices and tablets cannot currently access RLDB Browser & Monitor. Students will also not be permitted to leave an assessment until it has been submitted for grading.
For best results, students should install RLDB and Monitor on desktop or laptop computers, which are often more reliable and perform better than portable devices. They must have administrative access to their device and satisfy the system prerequisites in order to take an RLDB-based exam.
Prior to taking their first graded test, students who plan to take an RLDB-based exam should make sure their computer satisfies all requirements by taking a one-question practice quiz with RLDB software installed, practicing with an ungraded exam, and making sure everything functions as intended. It is essential that they install and configure all software thoroughly in advance of the exam to prevent any potential problems on test day.