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Lockdown Browser Tip Sheet for Faculty

Lockdown Browser Tip Sheet for Faculty

Owned by John Rose
Last updated: Oct 31, 2024 by Greg Shortt
3 min read

WHAT IS RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER?

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment in Brightspace. When students use LockDown Browser to access a quiz, they are unable to print, copy, visit other websites, access other applications, or close a quiz until it is submitted for grading. Quizzes created for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with standard browsers.

PREPARING A QUIZ

To set up a quiz in Brightspace that requires students to use LockDown Browser, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure the quiz has been deployed in the Brightspace course.

  1. In the course, open the Quizzes tab and open the LockDown Browser Dashboard.

  1. A list of deployed quizzes will be displayed. > Quizzes labeled with Required require students to use LockDown Browser. > Quizzes labeled with Not Required do not require students to use LockDown Browser.

  1. To change the settings, select Settings from the context menu to the left of the quiz title and select the desired option. Optionally you may create a password that students must enter to start the quiz. LockDown Browser will prompt students to enter the instructor-provided password before proceeding with the quiz.

  1. Several Advanced Settings are available:

    • Require LockDown Browser to view feedback and results.

    • Lock students into the browser until 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 the exam with an iPad, using the free LockDown Browser app.

    • Allow students to access a list of specified web domains during the test.

    • Enable Calculator or Print functions in the LockDown Browser toolbar.

  2. Click Save and Close to apply the settings.

INSTALLING LOCKDOWN BROWSER (on a computer)

LockDown Browser must be installed to each computer being used for a quiz.

> From any standard browser, open a quiz that requires LockDown Browser.

> Alternatively, you can request the URL for the licensed version of Lockdown Browser and share this with your students (instruct them to follow the instructions on the download page).

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

From a student’s perspective, this is how LockDown Browser is used for a test.

TIP: Before the first test, have students complete a practice test that uses LockDown Browser to make sure they have installed it correctly.

  1. Log into Brightspace with a regular browser, select the course and navigate to the quiz.

  1. If LockDown Browser has not previously been installed, the student will be prompted to download and install the browser.

  1. Return to the quiz and open it to launch LockDown Browser.

  1. Once a test has been started with LockDown Browser, the student cannot exit the test until the quiz has been submitted for grading

WHY A PRACTICE EXAM IS IMPORTANT

Ensure your first exam using LockDown Browser runs smoothly! Have students take an ungraded practice quiz that requires the use of LockDown Browser, before the graded exam occurs. It is recommended to do the practice test during class time so that instructor can ensure the students have completed this important step.

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.

  

For more resources, visit the Respondus website