What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
Respondus LockDown Browser (RLDB) is a secure browser that prohibits access to other websites and applications during a secured online test.
What are the benefits of using LockDown Browser?
Using LockDown Browser tells students that you’re serious about academic integrity.
Does LockDown Browser prevent the student from cheating?
There is no way to absolutely prevent cheating. LockDown Browser prevents students from recording the screen, printing, or accessing other programs or websites. Monitor records student activity and flags suspicious activity. This helps 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’s recommended so that you can take a test as a student will experience it. Students must download and install it and use it to log into Blackboard and take the test.
How do I download Respondus LockDown Browser?
The URL to download and install RLDB is on the Faculty Help tab in Blackboard. You have to use RLDB to log into Blackboard and access a test that requires it; it’s not enough just to have downloaded it.
How do I upload my test into LockDown browser?
Create your test in the usual way. Then 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.
Where do I go to make my test use Respondus LockDown Browser?
In your course, 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?
That’s an option under Advanced Settings in the RDLB Dashboard. Refer to the Respondus faculty training for details.
Do students still log into their Blackboard or a different website?
Students use the LockDown Browser to log into Blackboard.
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. Refer to the Respondus faculty training for details.
What happens if the student exits the test before they have finished?
If they exit the test without submitting, they can log back in and pick up where they left off provided Force Completion is not turned on. Note that the timer keeps running, however.
Will the student be able to resume the test if they leave the test and log back in?
Yes, provided Force Completion is not turned on. Note that the 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.
What are the benefits of using Respondus Monitor?
Using Respondus Monitor tells students that you’re very serious about academic integrity.
How do I monitor my students during the test?
You don’t have to. Monitor will alert you if it detects suspicious activity. Refer to the Respondus Monitor faculty training for 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. Refer to the Respondus Monitor faculty training for 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. Refer to the Respondus Monitor faculty training for 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. Refer to the Respondus Monitor faculty training for 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/.
Refer to the Respondus Monitor faculty training for more details.
Does the student have to do an ID check?
ID Check is one option when Monitor is enabled. Refer to the Respondus Monitor faculty training for 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.
Do I have to physically watch the student take the test? Does Respondus take care of that?
No. Monitor processes the video and flags suspicious activity for you to review later.
See https://web.respondus.com/monitor-review/.
Refer to the Respondus Monitor faculty training for details.
What can I do to prevent my students from getting a 0 on a test?
Encourage them to prepare well.
Can I make the student take the test at the testing center?
There is a Location Restriction Setting under Test Options.
If a student calls in and they were in the middle of taking a test using the LDB – who do we contact?
First, have the student exit RLDB and restart it. Chances are, 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, call Instructional Technologies at 525-7459.
Why do you keep saying “Refer to the Respondus faculty training for details”?
The details of how all the options work (and interact) can be complex. Options that are appropriate for one instance might not work for another.