Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

The university has purchased a license for Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. This product, which has two aspects, works with tests delivered in Blackboard. The LockDown browser is appropriate when the instructor is in the room during the test. When using LockDown Browser, students cannot print, make screen captures, access other web pages, or access other applications while taking the exam. Students access the Blackboard test through this custom browser on lab computers, or the browser can be downloaded on students’ own laptops.

LockDown Browser is now available in the computer labs at Mequon and will be available in January at CUAA and the Centers. Instructors at Mequon were notified about a training for anyone wanting to use it for final exams in face-to-face courses this semester. Students should be notified 7 days in advance when using LockDown browser. Lockdown Browser can be used by any instructor teaching face-to-face courses. The CELT provides instructor support for face-to-face courses.

Also in January, the Respondus Monitor aspect of the product will be available. Monitor combines LockDown Browser with an additional level of security that creates a recording of the student during the test. Monitor is appropriate for online and blended courses where the instructor is not in the same room with the students when they are taking the test. Monitor requires that students have a computer with a camera and a microphone. Monitor takes students through an authentication process, like showing their face and their CU ID, for verification of student identity, which is important when high-stakes exams are taken at distance. Monitor records the audio and video of the whole test session. Instructors using Respondus Monitor need to notify students at the beginning of the course they will be using this process for exams. Resources and language for inclusion in your syllabus are available through OCDE and CELT.

Over a certain threshold, there is an added per student, per course cost for the Monitor aspect of the license, so deans have been asked to identify the courses that need this added level of security and identity verification. The added cost is the same whether there is one test or many tests in a course. Some of our specialized program accreditors like OT and Nursing are looking for this heightened verification of student identity for distance education. Instructional designers or Blackboard support people are the only ones who should enable Monitor in courses. OCDE will be deploying Monitor in identified online and blended courses they support. If you want your course considered for Monitor, please talk to your department chair or dean.

Where to go for more information:

For help for a face-to-face course, contact the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at celtsupport@cuw.edu or call 262-243-2358 or 1-888-377-7447 (select option 2).

For help for fully online and dual credit courses contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education (OCDE) at blackboardsupport@cuw.edu  or call 262-243-4327 or 1-888-377-7447 (select option 1).  

Respondus LockDown Browser Instructor Orientation and Training

LockDown Browser by Respondus is a testing integrity software product students use to access and take Blackboard tests. Concordia has acquired a license for this product as of December 1, 2018. LockDown Browser can be downloaded on student’s own computers and will also be available on all campus labs computers, the testing center used by students with accessibility accommodations,  and laptop carts. When LockDown Browser is enabled in a Blackboard test, students must access it through the browser and cannot access it through any other browsers.

LockDown Browser provides adequate security for tests taken in the classroom when the instructor is present.  When taking Blackboard tests using LockDown Browser students cannot print, make screen captures, access other web pages, or access other applications while taking the exam. Watch this 3-minute video for an overview of LockDown Browser: https://youtu.be/e-QRHkoF8Xg

Follow the steps below to learn how to use Respondus LockDown Browser and enable it in your course.

1. Download this training document: Respondus LDB Info for Instructors 01082019
2. Watch this training video. Refer to the above document as you watch the video: https://youtu.be/GoekkOiwvGw
3. Set up a 1-point practice quiz and ask students to take the quiz before coming to take the test on test day.
   1. Link to a practice quiz you can import into your course (a zip file): Respondus Practice Quiz
   2. Directions for importing the practice quiz into your course: Import Practice Quiz into Your Course 11202018
4. Inform your students at least 7 days prior to the test that Respondus LockDown Browser will be used. Students should take the practice quiz before coming to class to take your test. Wording for students and instructions for students are on the document under #1 above.
5. Set up your Blackboard test(s) and enable Respondus LockDown Browser (see #1 and #2 above for instructions).

If you have questions about using Respondus LockDown Browser in your face-to-face course contact the CELT at 262-243-2358 or email celtsupport@cuw.edu.

 

Respondus Monitor: Information for Students

Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor (“Respondus Monitor”) used for online exams.

**Google Chromebooks are not compatible with LockDown Browser. Discuss options with your instructor.**

You must download and install LockDown Browser to your computer in order to use Respondus Monitor.

• Here is a short video that shows the download and install process: https://youtu.be/ghdw1ykmf8k
• Use this link to access the download: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=313154625

You must have a working webcam and microphone to take an exam using Respondus Monitor.

If you experience difficulties trying to download and install Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor, contact the IT Helpdesk at 262-243-4357 or email support@cuw.edu.

IT Helpdesk Hours: https://www.cuw.edu/academics/services/technology-services/index.html

The Respondus Help Center is in addition to the technology assistance provided by the Concordia IT Help Desk. Once Respondus LockDown Browser is installed on your computer, students have access to the Respondus Help Center that includes an option for live chat with Respondus Technology Support (available 24/7). See this document for details. Respondus Help Center for Students

To take an exam using Respondus Monitor:

1. Close all computer programs.
2. Click on the LockDown Browser icon on the computer. (You won’t be able to access the exam with a standard web browser.)
3. Login to your Blackboard course.
4. Navigate to the test and select it.

At this point the Startup Sequence for the webcam begins.

5. You will first need to review and agree to the Terms of Use.
6. The Webcam Check will confirm that your webcam and microphone are working properly. The first time the Webcam Check is performed on a computer, Adobe Flash Player will require you to select Allow and Remember.
7. The remaining steps of the Startup Sequence will depend on specific test settings. Follow the instructions and note your progress along the top of the screen. If you encounter a problem, select the “It’s not working link” for troubleshooting tips.
8. The test will begin after the Startup Sequence is complete.
9. You cannot exit LockDown Browser until the test is submitted for grading.

Here is a short video that shows a student view of accessing LockDown Browser with Monitor to take an exam: https://youtu.be/kXrw3OU47FQ

When taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you’ve allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Ensure you’re in a location where you won’t be interrupted
• Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don’t have them within reach
• Clear your area of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other computers, or devices
• Remain at your computer 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
• If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the Webcam Check and System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to starting the test
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window

• Although not the intent of the monitoring, any act that is inadvertently caught through Monitor that is against the Conduct Code of Concordia University or is considered a criminal act, will be referred to the Dean of Students Office.

Watch this short video to learn more about Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor: http://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml.

For more information about using Respondus Monitor, review this Student Quick Start Guide: http://www.respondus.com/downloads/RLDB-Quick-Start-Guide-Bb-Student.pdf

Follow this link for Respondus Monitor system requirements: https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/requirements.shtml

It is recommended you use a laptop or desktop computer. If you are using an iPad, you must download the LockDown Browser app from the App Store. Google Chromebooks are not compatible with LockDown Browser.