Overview
Respondus LockDown Browser® is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Blackboard. When students use LockDown Browser to access an assessment, they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications. Students are locked into an assessment until it is submitted for grading. Tests created for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with standard browsers.
This knowledge article details the difference between the lockdown browser compared to normal web browsers and explains the steps required for Faculty to request and utilize the Lockdown Browser within their Blackboard environment. Instructors are requested to provide installation & configuration instructions to students.
Details / Instructions
How does Respondus Lockdown Browser differ from normal web browsers?
Respondus LockDown Browser works much like a standard browser, but some options have been removed or work differently. The list below highlights some of the key differences that will be most noticeable.
- Modified Toolbar - the condensed toolbar includes only Forward, Back, Refresh, and Stop functions.
- Assessment Mode - assessments are shown fullscreen and cannot be minimized, resized, or exited until submitted for grading.
- Disabled Controls - all printing, keystroke combinations, screen grab, function keys, and rightclick menus have been disabled.
- Links - links to other web servers do not compromise the secure testing environment.
- Blocked Features and Applications - the Start button (Windows), system tray, and menu bars have been removed. Hundreds of screen capture, messaging, screen-sharing and network monitoring applications are blocked.
How does the Respondus Lockdown Browser Integration Work?
The LockDown Browser integration relies on the “password” feature for Blackboard tests. This feature is also what prevents a regular browser from accessing a test that has been set up for use with LockDown Browser. Below are a few important details:
- The Respondus LockDown Browser Building Block publishes a special password to the “password” field for the Blackboard test. This special password, which is used by LockDown Browser, shouldn’t be edited by the instructor within Blackboard (doing so will prevent LockDown Browser from working with the test).
- If the instructor wants students to enter a password before a test is started in Blackboard, the password must be entered during the “Preparing A Test” step described above.
- Do not change the name of the test within Blackboard once it has been set up for use with LockDown Browser.
How to request access to Respondus Lockdown Browser and Enable it in Blackboard:
1) Visit the following link to request Respondus Lockdown Browser for your course(s): Instructor Access Request (opens in new window).
Once you have submitted the Respondus Lockdown Browser Access Request Form the Blackboard Administrator will enable the tool in the requested Blackboard courses and notify you when completed. Please note that a request to have the tool enabled in your Blackboard course must be made every semester.
2) Open Blackboard (https://blackboard.richmond.edu) and click "Course Tools" below the "Course Management" section.
3) Select "Respondus Lockdown Browser" under "Course Tools".
4) Select a deployed test by clicking the icon to the left of the test description then choose "Require LockDown Browser for this exam", apply any desired settings and click "Save + Close" at the bottom.
Advanced Settings offers the following options:
- Lock students into the browser until exam is completed: This is sometimes used in testing centers where a proctor can enter a password to exit an exam early.
- Allow students to take the exam with an iPad, using the free LockDown Browser app:
- Allow students to access a list of specified web domains during the test.
- Enable Calculator or Print functions in the LockDown Browser toolbar.
For additional information, select the [explain] link that follows each setting.
5) To confirm Respondus Lockdown Browser has been enabled for your test, check for the "Required" label on the right-hand side of the Dashboard. If it is labeled "Not Required" it is not enabled.
From this screen you may also access the "Getting Started", "Video Tutorials" and "Guides & Support" tabs along the top navigation pane which provides tutorials, student installation instructions, and additional support options to review if needed. Click "Dashboard" to return to Deployed Tests.
6) Provide the Installation Directions from the "Getting Started" tab to your students after you enable Respondus LockDown Browser.
Note: The software installation and software license are unique to the university, we cannot make installation instructions public.
If you have questions about Respondus LockDown Browser, contact Blackboard support via phone at 804-287-6860 (M-F, 8:30am-5pm) or blackboard@richmond.edu.
See Also
Respondus LockDown Browser Access Request (Opens in new window).
Instructor Quick Start Guide (QSG) (PDF opens in new window).