The following steps guide will guide you through the process of using LockDown Browser (and a webcam, if required) to take an online test.
Click this link for the video: Overview of LockDown Browser (video will open in a new browser tab).
1) Download & Install
Windows or Mac
Only use the download link unique to SCTC (https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=738795795). It can also be found in your course. Instructors may have it in the syllabus, a Welcome message, or an announcement within the Blackboard class.
The download page provides information on system requirements and a quick overview video. The installation is fast and easy, and only needs to be done once (per device).
iPad / iOS
iPad users can install the LockDown Browser iPad app from the App Store. Instructions for using the iPad app can be found here. (Note that instructors will determine if iPad use is allowed in the LockDown Browser settings. If it is not working with your iPad, inform your instructor that you are using an iPad and request they enable its use.)
2) Start the Browser
Once LockDown Browser has been installed, you should locate the “LockDown Browser” icon on your device and double-click it. (Windows users can find it on their desktop; Mac users can find it in their Applications folder.)
Alternatively, Windows users can go to “Start”, locate “All Programs,” select “Respondus,” and click “Respondus LockDown Browser.”
At start-up, LockDown Browser will automatically go to the login page for Blackboard. You simply log in and navigate to the exam, just as you would in a regular browser.
If you try to access the exam using a standard browser, you will see a message indicating that you must instead use LockDown Browser.
3) Taking an Exam
Once the exam has started, you are locked into the exam. You’re unable to print, copy, go to other web addresses, or access other applications on the computer. Web searches, instant messaging, minimizing the browser, and hundreds of other functions are also prevented. Once the exam is completed, you are permitted to exit the browser and your computer will return to its normal state.
Using a Webcam
If your exam requires the use of a webcam (sometimes referred to as Respondus Monitor), you’ll be guided through a brief set of screens prior to the start of the exam.
The first screen is a webcam check, where you can make sure the webcam is working properly. Additional steps may be required by your instructor, such as showing your identification, or recording a brief video of your examination setting.
Once the exam begins, a “Recording” icon will appear at the top right of the screen.
Do not attempt to exit the exam until you’re finished. Additionally, you won’t be able to print, copy, access other applications, or go to other websites during the exam.
When the exam is submitted for grading, the webcam will stop recording and you may exit LockDown Browser.
Early Exit
If you need to exit the exam before submitting it, for example in case of an emergency or internet failure, you are required to enter a reason for exiting the exam early. (Instructors can then view this within the LockDown Browser dashboard.)
The original Respondus webpage for this information can be found at https://web.respondus.com/respondus-lockdown-browser-the-student-experience/
For a PDF version of the above, click here for the Student Quick Start Guide: https://web.respondus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/RLDB-Quick-Start-Guide-Bb-Student.pdf