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Academic Technology Commons (ATC)

Are you looking for help with one of SLU's many academic technologies? We have online resources in addition to our staff of Academic Technologists.

Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

SLU has installed Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor for Blackboard Learn. It is designed to enable a secure test taking environment in Blackboard. Students download the browser on Mac or PC and use it to log into Blackboard to take LockDown Browser enabled exams. The Respondus Monitor is an AI based Remote proctoring tool that leverages the LockDown Brower, the student’s webcam, and video analytics to monitor a student while taking the online exam and alert the instructor to possible issues.

The Respondus LockDown Browser tool within Blackboard comes with a built-in web site with all of the information you need to get started.

  1. Make sure the tool is enabled by going to Control Panel/Customization/Tool Availabilty
  2. Scroll down to Respondus LockDown Browser and make sure the first check box, for availabilty, is checked. If it isn't, check the box and click 'submit.'
  3. When the tool is available, navigate to Control Panel/Course Tools and scroll down to Respondus LockDown Browser and click.
  4. This will launch the Respondus LockDown Browser Dashboard. There are excellent training materials on this page including videos, tips for getting started and resources for best practices, including the very important test exam to make sure everything is working properly.
  5. On the lower right is a button that says 'Continue to LockDown Browser.' Clicking there will take you to a list of tests.
  6. From there, you can edit the settings for individual tests that have been deployed in your course to make them require LockDown Browser.
  7. Click here for a quick start guide for faculty from Respondus.
  8. Click below for a quick start guide for preparing a test in Respondus Lockdown Browser.
  9. It is highly recommended that faculty run at least one practice exam with Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Monitor before a live exam. This will help ensure that students' computers and webcams are working properly and any issues can be addressed in advance.
  10. Minimum system requirements:
  • Windows: 10, 8, 7
  • Mac: MacOS 10.15 to 10.12, OS X 10.11, OSX 10.10
  • iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only). Must have a compatible LMS integration. Details.
  • Memory: Windows: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive
  • Mac: 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive
  • LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed to a local computer. Both the Windows edition and the Mac edition of the browser are based on Chromium, Google's open source framework. Students do NOT need Google's Chrome browser installed; nor will this version affect a Chrome browser that's already installed.
  • Monitor requires student to have a web cam on their computer.

Additional Links for Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

You can find an archived recording of a training session at the link below.

http://web.respondus.com/monitor-training/

Here are some options for learning more about this software:

-- Respondus Monitor resources

-- LockDown Browser resources

Review answers to the top questions instructors have about LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor

 

Blackboard Learn-LockDown Browser: Preparing A Test

Respondus Lockdown and Monitor Tools

 

 

SLU has installed Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor for Blackboard Learn. It is designed to enable a secure test taking environment in Blackboard. Students download the browser on Mac or PC and use it to log into Blackboard to take LockDown Browser enabled exams. Instructors can choose to enable the Monitor, a remote proctoring tool that leverages the LockDown Brower, your webcam, and video analytics to monitor test takers.

Blackboard Learn: LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor Installation Guide 

Overview 

LockDown Brower is a tool for taking tests in Blackboard Learn. While taking the test you will not be able to print, copy,  navigate to another URL or application. You will only be able to take the test within the LockDown Browser.  

Respondus Monitor is a tool that is used in conjunction with LockDown Browser for non-proctored exams. You may be  required to use LockDown Browser with a webcam, which will record you during an online, nonproctored exam. (The  webcam feature is sometimes referred to as “Respondus Monitor.”) 

 

System Requirements 

Windows: 10, 8, 7 

Mac: OS X 10.10 or higher 

iOS: 10.0+ (iPad only). Must have a compatible LMS integration. Details. 

Web camera (internal or external) & microphone 

A broadband internet connection 

 

Install Requirements

Watch this video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser: 

https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml 

Download Instructions: 

Download and install LockDown and Monitor Respondus Browser from this link: 

https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=654535705 

Once Installed: 

  1. Start LockDown Browser-There will be a short cut on your desk top and/or part of the ‘Start’ menu.
  2. Log into Blackboard Learn 
  3. Navigate to the test 

Note: You won't be able to access tests with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that  the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to  continue. 

When taking an online test, follow these guidelines: 

  1. Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient time to  complete it 
  2. Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don't have them within reach 
  3. Clear your area of all external materials - books, papers, other computers, or devices 
  4. Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test 
  5. LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test  until all questions are completed and submitted 

For technical questions, call: 314-977-4000 

 

Blackboard Learn: LockDown Browser/Respondus Monitor Installation Guide

Taking A Test 

  1. Close all programs, unless one is used to connect you to the Internet. 
  2. Locate the “LockDown Browser” shortcut on the desktop and double-click it.(For Mac users, launch “LockDown  Browser” from the Applications folder.) 
  3. If prompted, either close a blocked program (e.g. screen capture, instant messaging) by choosing Yes. Or, close  LockDown Browser and close the blocked program before restarting. 
  4. Log into Blackboard. 
  5. Navigate to the test within the course and select Begin Exam. 
  6. The test will then start. (Note, once a test has been started with Respondus LockDown Browser, you cannot exit  until the Submit button is clicked.) 

 

Using With A Webcam (Respondus Monitor) 

Your computer must have a functioning webcam and microphone. A broadband connection is also required. 

If a quiz requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, follow steps 1-6 in the previous “Taking A Test” section. At this  point the Startup Sequence for the webcam begins. 

  • You will first need to review and agree to the Terms of Use. 
  • The Webcam Check will confirm that your webcam and microphone are working properly. 
  • The remaining steps of the Startup Sequence will depend on settings chosen by your instructor. Follow the  instructions and note your progress along the left side of the screen. 
  • If you encounter a problem, select the It’s not working link for troubleshooting tips. 

The test will begin after the Startup Sequence is complete. You cannot exit LockDown Browser until the quiz is submitted for grading. 

For technical questions, call: 314-977-4000