What is Respondus LockDown Browser?
The Respondus LockDown Browser is an applications that enables students to take tests in a controlled Blackboard environment without distrations, unwanted pop-ups, or the ability to load other webpages. It is enabled and used at the discretion of the test creator and is only available on campus. It is not a replacement for in-room invigilation.
Before you Start
Speak to your school’s Digital Academic Developer. Using this application for a test requires some consideration and they will be able to talk this through with you. This also means that they are aware of when your test is taking place (they may ask you to complete a short form) so that support can be put in place if necessary.
How to Enable Respondus LockDown Browser
You can enable the application for use on any Blackboard Test that you create in an Ultra module/course. If you’re creating a new test from scratch choose the + symbol in a module content area > Create > Test. If you’re adding Respondus LockDown Browser to an existing test simply click on the name of the test, or choose the … symbol to it’s right > Edit.
1. On the test Content and Settings page, click on the cog symbol at the top right of the Test Settings overview.
2. The Test Settings panel will slide out from the right. Here you can check exactly how your test will be deployed, how marks will be released, etc. Scroll down to the section for Assessment Security > Respondus and choose LockDown Browser Dashboard.
3. The Assessment Security panel will slide out from the right. This page shows a list of all Blackboard tests (and assignments) that you can enable for use with the Respondus LockDown Browser. Find the test that you want to enable, click the arrow to the left of the title > Settings.
4. In LockDown Browser Settings, select the radio button next to Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.
OPTIONAL: there are a range of additional settings that you can configure available by clicking on the Advanced Settings title.
5. Finalise by clicking Save + Close. Your test will now say Required next to it in the Assessment Security panel. You can close this panel by clicking on the X symbol at the top left (like any other panel in Blackboard Ultra).
6. Back in the Test Settings panel, remember to click Save to keep any other changes that you may have made. A quick link back to the setup in the Assessment Security Panel will now be displayed for you in the Test Settings overview should you need it.
That’s it. Back in your module content outline view, you and your students will now see Proctored appear next to any test where the Respondus LockDown Browser is required.
Taking a Test using Respondus LockDown Browser
In Blackboard Ultra modules this process is streamlined and no longer requires launching the Respondus LockDown Browser application first. Instead they should open Google Chrome and access Blackboard in the way they normally would, navigate to the module and location of the test, and click on it. This will automatically launch the application and allow for the test to be taken.
A full guide for students on how to take a test with the Respondus LockDown Browser is available as a attachment on the Blackboard Ultra Tests page of the TEL Knowledge Base for Students.