West Texas A&M University

Respondus LockDown Browser
and Respondus Monitor

 

Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment in WTClass. When students use LockDown Browser to take a test created and deployed in WTClass, they are unable to print, copy, go to other websites, access other applications, or close a test until it is submitted for grading. Tests that are created and deployed in WTClass for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with standard browsers.

Respondus Monitor is a companion application for LockDown Browser. Instructors can access the Respondus Monitor settings through the LockDown Browser Dashboard within your course in WTClass. To attend and view webinars over Respondus LockDown and/or Monitor, please visit Respondus Webinars Page.

There is no fee for students to use Respondus LockDown Browser or Monitor. LockDown Browser and Monitor should not be used in any other areas of WTClass.

Important LockDown Browser Integration Details

The LockDown Browser integration relies on the “password” feature for WTClass tests. This feature is what prevents a regular browser from accessing a test that has been set up for use with LockDown Browser.
screenshot of password on test

NOTE: This special password, which is used by LockDown Browser, should NOT be edited, deleted, or unchecked within the WTClass Test Options page.  Doing so will prevent LockDown Browser from working with the test, or allow students to complete this test without the use of the LockDown browser. Students do not enter this password to begin the test.

If you want to require students to enter a password before beginning a test, you will set this setting within the Respondus LockDown Browser tool section. (See How to Setup a Test for LockDown Browser Use)

How do Students get the LockDown Browser?

Students using their personal computers must use a unique download link specific to WT in order to download the LockDown Browser for use with WTClass. They can visit https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=595136694 to download the LockDown Browser. Faculty do not need to download this software on their computer to use RLDB in their course.

Before Using Respondus LockDown Browser

1. Add a Statement to Your Syllabus and/or Course

If you plan to use LockDown Browser in your course, explain to your students in your syllabus or your content area that they must use LockDown Browser for their online tests. 

Below is a sample statement to use or modify for your syllabus and/or course if you require your students to download Respondus LockDown Browser on their personal computer or device. If your students are using a lab on campus with Respondus LockDown Browser to take their exam, omit the potion with installation instructions.

Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online tests. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser.  Please note that the webcam feature will NOT be required.

Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:
[https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=595136694]

To take an online test, open LockDown Browser, access your course, and navigate to your exam. You will not be able to access the test with a standard web browser. For additional details on using LockDown Browser, go to: https://students.wtamu.edu/wtclass/respondus.html

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

  • Select a location where you will not be interrupted
  • Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you have allotted sufficient time to complete it
  • Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and do not 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

2. Add the Respondus Course Module to your Course Home Page

It is also recommended that you add the Respondus Module to your course Home Page when using Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Monitor. This adds a visual notification that students can see upon entering the course so they can prepare. 

To add the Respondus Module to your course Home Page:

  1. Access your course Home Page and select the Add Course Module button.
    screenshot of associated text: Add course Module button
  2. Locate the "Respondus LockDown Browser" or "Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor" module from the list.
    • Select "Respondus LockDown Browser" if only using RLDB and NOT using Monitor.
    • Select "Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor" if using RLDB and Monitor.
  3. Click the Add button below the module name.
    screenshot of associated text: click the Add button below the Respondus Lockdown Browser area
  4. Click OK at the bottom of the page, or return to the Home Page.

3. Create a Practice Exam

To ensure your first exam using LockDown Browser runs smoothly, have students take an ungraded practice quiz that requires the use of the LockDown Browser, before the graded exam occurs.

Leave the quiz available for the duration of the course, with unlimited attempts, so students can access it again if they use a different computer.

A practice quiz is available for you to import into your course. To import the practice quiz into your course:

  1. Download the practice test import file. It is set up in a zip file for you. Please DO NOT unpackage or open this file.
  2. Next, import the zip file into your course.
  3. If not already turned on, turn on Respondus LockDown Browser in your course in WTClass.
  4. Lastly, prepare the test to require Respondus LockDown Browser.

How to Setup a Test for LockDown Browser Use

  1. Create test in WTClass
    Create your test in your course just like you normally would.
  2. If needed, Turn on the Respondus LockDown Browser Tool
    1. From within your course, go to Customization > Tool Availability.
    2. Click the available checkbox beside the Respondus LockDown Browser row.
    3. Click Submit.
  3. Setup the test with the LockDown Browser
    1. In the Control Panel, locate the Course Tools section and select Respondus LockDown Browser.
    2. A list of deployed tests will be displayed.
    3. Select Settings from the context menu to the left of the test title.
      • Tests labeled with “Not Required” do not require LockDown Browser.
      • Tests labeled with “Required” require LockDown Browser.
    4. Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.
    5. Optionally, you may enter an access password that students must enter to start the test.
    6. Click Save + Close.
  4. If you edit your Test Options after setting up the LockDown Browser settings, DO NOT remove the password. This will allow students access to the test without requiring the LockDown Browser.

LockDown Browser Advanced Settings

screenshot of the advanced settings

  • Lock students into the browser until exam is completed - (Not Recommended) - Prevents students from exiting the browser until the exam is completed. This is sometimes used in testing centers where a proctor can enter a password to exit an exam early.
  • Allow students to take this exam with an iPad (using the “LockDown Browser” app from iTunes) - Allows students to take the exam with an iPad, using the free LockDown Browser app.
  • Allow access to specific external web domains - Allows students to access a list of specified web domains during the test. Students are not able to access other programs on their computer, but can be allowed to access specific web sites.
  • Enable Calculator on the toolbar - Allows instructors to provide students with a calculator function in the LockDown Browser toolbar.
  • Enable Printing from the toolbar - Allows instructors to provide students with a print function in the LockDown Browser toolbar.
  • The [explain] link that follows each setting gives additional info on specific setting.

How to Setup a Test for Respondus Monitor Use

From the Respondus LockDown Browser Course Tool:

  1. To require all students use a webcam during the exam, when setting up the Lockdown Browser Settings, additionally select Require Respondus Monitor (automated proctoring) for this exam under the Proctor settings area.
  2. Now select the items to be included in the Startup Sequence, the steps a student must complete prior to the start of an exam. Most settings are optional and can be reordered by dragging and dropping them to the desired order. Select the Preview button next to each option to see what the students would see for this section.
    1. Webcam Check
    2. Additional Instructions
    3. Guidelines + Tips
    4. Student Photo
    5. Show ID
    6. Environment Check
    7. Facial Detection Check
      1. Prevent students from starting the exam if face cannot be detected during Startup Sequence.
      2. Notify students during the exam if face cannot be detected (prompt for a fix)

Respondus Monitor Advanced Settings

  • Allow this exam to additionally be delivered in a proctored lab.
    • Note: Students taking the exam in a proctored lab will not need to use Respondus Monitor, but they will still need to use LockDown Browser. An exam password must be used with the exam (see LockDown Browser password settings above) and you will need to provide the password to the proctor.
  • Enable "Show Your Work" step at end of exam.
    • Note: Enables students to submit webcam photos of their notes or written work at the completion of an exam. The photos are available to the instructor from the "Class Results" section of the LockDown Browser Dashboard.
  • Allow another application to use the microphone during this exam.
  • Enter a demo student username for use by the instructor

Live Proctoring with Zoom

RLDB also allows for faculty to proctor their own exams live. For more information on Faculty Live Proctoring options, please see Respondus Instructor Live Proctoring.

Downloadable Information

Help

For Help with Respondus LockDown Browser please contact the IT Success Center at (806) 651-4357 or by email at and WTClass support personnel will be happy to assist you.

Live webinar instructor training over LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor is also available through Respondus at https://web.respondus.com/webinars/