How to Install and Use Respondus Lockdown Browser

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How to Install and Use Respondus Lockdown Browser

Overview

Respondus Lockdown Browser is used to add a layer of security to online exams administered through Moodle by allowing instructors to prevent access to certain PC functions during the exam. LockDown Browser is often paired with different approaches for proctoring exams.

Installing LockDown Browser

Windows & Mac

  1. Visit https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=958157667.
  2. Click on the yellow Install Now button in the right column to download the Respondus installation file.
  3. Find and run the installation file:
    • The Windows installer should be named similar to “LockDownBrowser-X-X-XX.exe”, where X represents numbers in the LockDownBrowser release. Run the exe file after downloading, and follow the prompts to install.
    • The Mac installer should be named “InstallLDBPackage64c-X-X-XX.zip, where X represents numbers in the LockDownBrowser release. Open the file to extract a file named “Install Respondus LockDown Browser (x64c) – XXXXXXXX.pkg”. Run the pkg file and follow the prompts to install.
  4. Once installed, Respondus LockDown Browser should appear in the Start menu (Windows), the Applications folder (Mac), and on your Desktop.

Chromebook

NOTE: Chromebook support is new and is considered a “beta” feature. It will only be available to students when specifically enabled by your instructor in the LockDown Browser configuration in Moodle. If Chromebook support is unavailable you will need to ask your instructor to enable it or use a supported device.

  1. Visit https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=958157667.
  2. Click on the Add to Chrome button on the right side of the screen to download the Respondus LockDown Browser extension for Chrome.
  3. Click the Add extension button to install the install.
     
  4. Once installed, you will be presented with a confirmation screen indicating that the extension is available for use.

iPad

NOTE: iPad support is not a standard feature. It will only be available to students when specifically enabled by your instructor in the LockDown Browser configuration in Moodle. If iPad support is unavailable you will need to ask your instructor to enable it or use a supported device.

  1. Visit the Apple App Store, and search for “Respondus LockDown Browser” or visit: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lockdown-browser/id659101775.
  2. Install the App.
  3. Launch the LockDown app from the Home Screen.
  4. On your first launch, search for “Louisiana Technical University.”

Using LockDown Browser

Once LockDown Browser has been installed and setup, the process for using it is the same on all platforms.

  1. Login to Moodle using your preferred web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
  2. Navigate to your course in Moodle and click on the link for the LockDown Browser-protected quiz you will take.
  3. Click the Launch LockDown Browser button. LockDown Browser will automatically start your exam.

Using LockDown Browser with Proctoring

Many instructors will also use proctoring alongside Respondus LockDown Browser. Proctoring with LockDown Browser will generally fall into three categories: automated (with Respondus Monitor), live remote (with Zoom), and live in-person (in a lab or testing center).

Automated Proctoring (w/Monitor)

Automated proctoring, using Respondus Monitor, is built into the Respondus LockDown Browser. You will not need to download or install any other software to use Monitor. All that is required is that a webcam and microphone be attached to your computer during the exam. The computer will record the video and audio, and use machine learning to identify and inform the instructor of any suspicious activity. It is then up to the instructor to review video of the exam session and determine an appropriate course of action.

Using Monitor does require a pre-check sequence. During this sequence, depending on how the instructor configured the exam, you may need to:

  1. Review and agree to the Terms of Use.
  2. Perform a webcam and microphone check.
  3. Provide proof of identity with a photo of your photo ID (instructor’s option).
  4. Perform an environmental sweep with your webcam (instructor’s option).

Live Remote Proctoring (w/Zoom)

Live remote proctoring is new capability added to Respondus LockDown Browser. Live remote proctoring combines LockDown Browser with an existing teleconferencing solution (at Louisiana Tech, that will generally be Zoom). A webcam and microphone are required during the exam; however, it will be up to the instructor to monitor video and audio and address any issues in real time.

To start a live remote proctoring session:

  1. Join a Zoom session setup by your instructor. This can be your normal class meeting, if desired by the instructor.
  2. When instructed by your instructor, launch your exam from a web browser.
  3. Once the LockDown Browser is launched you will be required to enter a password to start the exam – this will be provided by your instructor when they are ready for you to begin.

Live In-Person Proctoring (w/Zoom)

Live in-person proctoring allows LockDown Browser to be used for in-personal classes. You will you use either your computer or a computer lab to take the exam while a live proctor or your instructor monitors the exam.

To start a live remote proctoring session:

  1. When instructed, launch your exam from a web browser.
  2. Once the LockDown Browser is launched you will be required to enter a password to start the exam – this will be provided by your instructor or proctor when they are ready for you to begin.

Tips for using Respondus

For the best test-taking experience, it is recommended that you follow these best practices:

  • Use a healthy computer. Ensure that any pending updates for your operating system, other programs, and LockDown Browser have been installed ahead of your exam session to prevent update prompts from freezing the system or initiating unexpected restarts. As an extra precaution, it is also recommended that you restart your computer before launching LockDown Browser for your exam session.
  • Use a reliable Internet connection. It is recommended to use a hard-wired Internet connection for exams. If this is not possible, and you must use a wireless network connection, try to identify a test-taking location that provides a strong, reliable wireless signal as close possible to your router or access point. On shared network connections, such as at home, you should also shut down other bandwidth-intensive applications such as gaming consoles or video streaming during the test session.
  • Participate in practice tests. Instructors who use Respondus Lockdown Browser and/or Monitor are encouraged to create practice exam sessions that allow students to simulate an exam and check for technical problems ahead of time. It is strongly recommended that you make use of this practice ahead of each test to check for problems.
  • Check your environment. Your environment is extremely important when using an automated video proctor like Respondus Monitor. Avoid testing in dark spaces. Make sure that your environment is well-lit and that you are clearly visible on camera. Also, take care to avoid face and head accessories such as: headphones, earbuds, dark sunglasses, hats, masks, etc. Not only can these accessories make it more difficult for the software for work, some items (such as headphones or earbuds) could be interpreted by instructors as exam violations.
  • For more information on using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, see the Student Quick Start Guide from Respondus.
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