Hcc Lockdown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser must be downloaded directly through an instructor-provided link found within an online quiz or test in order to take part.
Once installed, this browser prevents students from printing, using other applications or visiting any websites during exams – guaranteeing all students take them on an even playing field.
Features
At online exams, you cannot print, use other applications or access websites other than those required by your instructor. Your instructor might require that you have a webcam equipped with Lockdown Browser; Respondus Monitor records your actions during proctored assessments as well.
Your instructor will provide a link for downloading and installing the browser when necessary for their course. Simply download it, follow its installation instructions, and complete this step-by-step process.
Once installed, the software will notify you that certain programs (screen capture programs, instant messaging applications, email clients and Skype etc.) must be closed (screen capture programs, instant messaging applications etc.). Simply close them or let the software do it for you – once Blackboard opens and prompts you to start your exam, these will all need to be closed off and closed automatically by this software.
If you own a laptop, wired internet access may be preferable over WiFi for exams as other devices sharing WiFi could hog bandwidth and compromise performance during an exam. Also be sure to regularly save your answers in case there’s ever an interruption with connectivity; saving is one way to help prevent problems down the road.
If you experience issues while taking an exam, reach out to the Technology Service Center for help. Taking a practice exam on the same device that will be used for the real test may also provide you with an opportunity to identify any potential issues and address them before sitting your actual test; additionally it gives an opportunity for getting familiar with LockDown Browser and Monitor before your actual examination day arrives.
Installation
Some quizzes and tests on Blackboard require students to use Respondus Lockdown Browser, a special program which prevents students from printing, copying, visiting another URL or using other applications during an exam. Furthermore, instructors may require Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor in order to record test session – another requirement of Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor.
Students looking to access exams that require Lockdown Browser must login into their Learning Management System and locate the exam requiring it before clicking it to launch it automatically. If they don’t already have it installed on their computer, follow the install process to download and install Lockdown Browser before taking their exam.
Lockdown Browser’s installer at New Mexico State will detect whether students are on a Windows or Mac computer and will provide an appropriate version for both operating systems. As part of installation, students will be asked to close any programs not used for taking an online exam such as screen capture software, instant messaging programs or Skype, among others.
Once installed, this browser will take users directly to their learning management system and open their exam, much like they would do in a standard browser. Students then navigate their exam just like in any standard browser before exiting to do other things on their computer after finishing the exam. For best results, we suggest students install and test out this software well in advance of any graded exams they might take part in.
Preparation
Canvas quizzes and tests require students to utilize the Respondus LockDown Browser (and webcam, if applicable). Students can either install this browser when taking an exam within Canvas LMS or they can install it beforehand if desired; in either instance it should be tested to make sure everything works as expected before beginning an assessment.
Once installed, browsers will start automatically when students take online exams in an LMS. They may receive warnings that certain applications – like screen capture programs and instant messaging software – must be closed prior to taking the exam; in such cases, these must be shut down prior to beginning. Once exams begin, students cannot print, copy, access other websites, print other pages from within it or leave until after it has been submitted for grading.
Some institutions provide students with training resources on how to use LockDown Browser, including a student version of its quick start guide within the application itself. They should review these materials prior to taking an assessment and consult their instructor if additional guidance is required. Occasionally instructors also provide links or videos explaining how Respondus LockDown Browser fits into their course syllabus or curriculum in order to ease transition and increase chances of proper usage by students.
Testing
Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB) can help students take online quizzes and tests that require them to use special browser. LDB prevents students from printing, accessing other applications or websites, searching the internet for answers, printing test answers or accessing printing applications while taking tests – thus creating an equal playing field and no unfair advantages or disadvantages in taking these exams. Students should download LDB ahead of time and install it onto their computers ahead of taking any graded quiz requiring LDB so that they know it works before taking one graded quiz requiring LDB in order to ensure proper testing before taking an exam that requires LDB is taken.
Students taking CCLE courses that require them to use LDB will be warned. Once launched, Respondus browser allows them to easily follow instructions to close various applications such as screen capture programs, instant messaging applications and Skype (or let the browser do it for them). If their instructor uses Respondus Monitor with their exam, students may also be directed towards another link prompting them to start recording videos for this exam.
Instructors can select to allow certain websites or enable a standard or scientific calculator on the toolbar of their lockdown browser, as well as “lock students into browser until exam is completed” option – helpful should a student encounter internet connectivity issues during an exam and their browser closes down prematurely.