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Center for Teaching & Learning: Respondus LockDown Browser

Supporting the MCPHS faculty and staff in their commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning

LockDown Browser

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Blackboard.

On this page:

Upcoming Webinars

Respondus provides comprehensive instructor training:

https://web.respondus.com/webinars/

Faculty are encouraged to sign up and learn more about these tools.

Quick Start Guides

System Requirements

Operating Systems

  • Windows: 10, 8, 7
  • Mac: MacOS 10.15 to 10.12, OS X 10.11, OSX 10.10
  • iOS: 11.0+ (iPad only)
  • *Only MCPHS-owned Chromebooks are compatible -- personally owned Chromebooks are not compatible 

Memory

Windows: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive

Mac: 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive

Browser Requirements

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.

How Respondus LockDown Browser Works

  • Assessments are displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized
  • Browser menu and toolbar options are removed, except for Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop
  • Prevents access to other applications including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, and remote desktops
  • Printing and screen capture functions are disabled
  • Copying and pasting anything to or from an assessment is prevented
  • Right-click menu options, function keys, keyboard shortcuts and task switching are disabled
  • An assessment cannot be exited until the student submits it for grading
  • Assessments that are set up for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with other browsers

Syllabus Sample Language

It's important to clearly communicate with your students about exam integrity tools that they will be required to use in your course.  Sample language below may be helpful:

Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:  https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=756216973

To take an online test, start LockDown Browser and navigate to the exam. (You won't be able to access the exam with a standard web browser.)

For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide (PDF)

Finally, when taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

  • Select a location where you won't be interrupted
  • Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
  • Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don't have them within reach
  • Clear your area of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or devices
  • Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test
  • 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
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