What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
Respondus LockDown Browser is a customized, secure web browser that prevents digital cheating during online exams. It locks students into the testing environment by disabling printing, copy-pasting, screen capturing, and the ability to visit other websites or open other applications.
When it comes time for an exam in one of your courses, students will have to use RLDB to log into Blackboard and access the test; it’s not enough just to have downloaded it.
What are the benefits of using LockDown Browser?
Using LockDown Browser shows students that you are serious about academic integrity.
Does LockDown Browser prevent the student from cheating?
There is no way to absolutely prevent cheating. Respondus LockDown Browser prevents students from recording the screen, printing, or accessing other programs or websites. Respondus Monitor uses the student's webcam to record student activity and flag suspicious activity. These tools help deter attempts at cheating, but a quick Google search will turn up lots of ways to try to work around it:
The best way to prevent cheating is to design courses and assessments that don’t provide an incentive to cheat in the first place. As it happens, courses designed this way also result in more student engagement. Your Instructional Designer can help you.
Do I need to install LockDown Browser on my computer?
No, but it is a recommended practice so that you can take a test as a student will experience it. Students must download and install RLDB to take the test and use it to log into Blackboard in place of a traditional browser like Chrome or Firefox.
How do I download Respondus LockDown Browser?
The URL to download and install RLDB is on the Faculty Help tab in Blackboard or you can download it from the links below.
Windows: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=587634126
Mac: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?ostype=2&id=587634126
The Respondus LockDown Browser is specific to each institution that uses it. That means that even if you have RLDB installed from another college, you will have to download the Lakeland Community College specific version to use with Lakeland classes.
How do I create a test or modify an existing test to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser?
Create your test as usual way in Blackboard. Once it is complete, go to Control Panel > Course Tools > Respondus LockDown Browser. This is the RLDB Dashboard; it lists all the tests deployed in the course. Click the [v] button and select Settings. Refer to the Respondus LockDown faculty training for details.
How do I allow students to use a calculator during the test?
There is an option under Advanced Settings in the RDLB Dashboard which will allow the built-in calculator in the LockDown Browser. Please see the Respondus Faculty Training Guide for more details.
Do students still log into their Blackboard or a different website?
When the Respondus LockDown Browser opens, students are brought to Lakeland's Blackboard login page. After logging-in, students will be able to navigate Blackboard normally to find and begin the test.
Will students be able to access other websites or documents while taking the test?
Students cannot access other apps or programs while LockDown Browser is running. They can only access websites that you specifically permit under Advanced Settings. Please see the Respondus Faculty Training Guide for more details.
What happens if the student exits the test before they have finished?
If students exit the test without submitting, they can log back in and pick up where they left off provided Force Completion is not turned on. However, the exam timer keeps running.
What is Respondus Monitor?
Respondus Monitor is a remote-proctoring tool that uses a student’s webcam to record the student’s actions during the test. Suspicious activity is flagged for the instructor to review. The instructor can choose to require the student to show an ID and/or pan the camera around the test-taking environment.
How do I monitor my students during the test? Do I have to physically watch the student take the test?
You don’t have to. Respondus Monitor will alert you if it detects suspicious activity. Please see the Respondus Faculty Training Guide for more details.
How do I check the video if something is flagged by the camera on one of my students?
Monitor will alert you if it detects suspicious activity. Please see the Respondus Faculty Training Guide for more details.
What happens if the student is using a textbook will the video flag that and report that as cheating?
Monitor will note if the student looks away from the screen and flag that portion of the video for you to review. Please see the Respondus Faculty Training Guide for more details.
How do I use the environment check? Does it allow me to see the students' whole area?
Use the Environment Check to have the students pan the camera around to show that they do not have prohibited resources within view. Please see the Respondus Faculty Training Guide for more details.
How do I access the video after the student is done with the test?
Go to Control Panel > Course Tools > Respondus LockDown Browser, click the [v] button, and select Class Results. Video processing can take up to 12 hours.
See https://web.respondus.com/monitor-review/.
Does the student have to do an ID check?
ID Check is one option when Respondus Monitor is enabled. Please see the Respondus Faculty Training Guide for more details.
Is the recording automatically uploaded when the student exits the test?
Yes.
How long does the recording take to upload?
Videos may take up to 12 hours to process.
Can I make the student take the test at the testing center?
There is a Location Restriction Setting under Test Options.
If a student has an issue in the middle of taking a test using the LockDown Browser, who do we contact?
First, have the student exit RLDB and restart it. Most commonly, the problem is just that their internet connection dropped off for a moment. If you don’t have Force Completion turned on, the student can pick up where they left off. Note that the timer keeps running even if the student is offline. If that fails, have the student call the Help Desk at 440-525-7570. It may be necessary for you to reset the test, if you decide to allow the student to try again.