Frequently Asked Questions answered in this article:
Respondus LockDown Browser™ (LDB) is a custom, secure web browser used when taking some quizzes and tests in Blackboard. It restricts you from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during a test without permission. If a Blackboard test requires that Respondus LockDown Browser™ be used, you will need to have the software installed on your computer. After installation, you will begin the test with a standard web browser such as Chrome, Firefox or other standard browsers.
While you are using Respondus LockDown Browser™, it locks down your computer screen, preventing you from seeing anything other than Blackboard (the learning management system). It also hides or forces you to close other applications on your device before you begin your test.
Respondus LockDown Browser™ works much like a standard web browser, but some options have been removed or work differently. See below for some of these differences (see image below).
Modified Toolbar - the toolbar includes only Forward, Back, Refresh and Stop functions. Students cannot navigate to another URL using this browser.- Quiz Mode - quizzes are shown full-screen and cannot be minimized, re-sized, or exited until submitted.
- Disabled Controls - all printing, keystroke combinations, screen grab, function keys, and right-click menus are disabled.
- Links - links to other web servers do not compromise the locked testing environment.
- Blocked Features & Applications - the Start button (Windows), system tray, clock, and menu bars have been removed.
Please be sure your computer meets system requirements before downloading the application. Pay particular attention to the supported Operating Systems from the aforementioned system requirements page. Chromebooks are not fully supported!
The URL for downloading Respondus LockDown Browser™ is on Drake’s Blackboard Institution Page. Scroll down until you find the "Download Respondus LockDown Browser Software" link. Students must download Respondus LockDown Browser™ to their personally owned computer prior to a test to ensure there is sufficient time for any additional updates.
Some instructors will require that you bring your own laptop computer to use Respondus LockDown Browser™ in class. If you do not own a laptop computer that meets testing requirements, please reach out to your instructor in advance of the exam to secure alternate accommodations.
NOTE: If you are prompted to re-download Respondus LockDown Browser™, you don't need to un-install first; just download LDB and follow the on-screen instructions.
To eliminate additional issues, we recommend that students should do a fresh install at the beginning of each semester. There is no need to un-install Respondus LockDown Browser™, just reinstall.
You will see a “Check for Updates” option when you are logged into Respondus LockDown Browser™. It is always a good idea to accept any update offered.
If you are taking tests from home, Respondus LockDown Browser™ recommends a wired Internet connection rather than Wi-Fi/wireless connection because the test is more susceptible to freeze/stop responding if there is an interruption in your Internet connection. Questions are automatically saved as you go, your instructor has access to all saved answers.
NOTE: Please reach out to your instructor if you lose your Internet connection during your exam to determine your next steps.
The most common student error:
- In Blackboard Ultra courses: Ensure you have Respondus LockDown Browser™ already installed on your computer. Go to Blackboard using a supported browser and navigate to the test, which with then automatically launch the Respondus LockDown Browser™ application.
Getting started taking a test
- If applicable, plug in your laptop to ensure adequate power throughout the exam. Shut off Sleep Mode Settings to avoid accidental exam submission. (Find out more information about Best Practices for Online Testing)
- Close all open applications running on your computer, except Firefox or Chrome browsers. If you have any applications running when you launch the test, you will see the message: You must close the following program before starting the browser. Do you want Respondus LockDown Browser™ to attempt to close this program for you? Select Yes.
- Launch your test (Respondus LockDown Browser™ must be installed on your computer.) by going to Blackboard using a supported browser and navigate to the test within your course, which with then automatically launch the Respondus LockDown Browser™ application.
- A pop-up window will ask whether the instructor requires a password. Enter the password, or, if no password is required, click Continue.
- The test will then start. NOTE: Once you start a test with Respondus LockDown Browser™, the exam will appear in a full-screen window and all other applications and links are locked down. You cannot exit until the Submit button is clicked.
- When you are done taking your test, click Submit.
NOTE: Some instructors may ask to review your exam results before exiting Respondus LockDown Browser™.
Finishing the test
- When you are ready to exit Respondus LockDown Browser™, click the X in the upper right corner.
- You will get a message: Are you sure you want to exit?
- Select Yes.
A practice test does several things:
- Saves time on test day by ensuring that you have downloaded the application and know how to use it before a high-stakes test.
- Reduces test day anxiety since you are already familiar with the application.
- Reduces technical problems on test day by highlighting any major issues ahead of time.
- Increases familiarity of testing processes for both students and faculty.
Since you are not yet in the exam, close the Respondus LockDown Browser™. When you close Respondus LockDown Browser™ you should see a security pop-up, at which point you can click OK. Re-launch Respondus LockDown Browser™ after clicking through the security pop-up. You will be able to access and take exam without problems. This works only if you re-launch the Respondus LockDown™ Browser immediately after you close the pop-up window.
NOTE: If you go to another website, restart your computer, or make any changes to your computer, you may encounter this problem again when you launch your next test with Respondus LockDown Browser™.
This means the assessment requires you to open the Respondus LockDown Browser™. You will need to download the Respondus LockDown Browser™ application and try again.
If you lose your connection to the Internet while taking a test using Respondus LockDown Browser™, Respondus LockDown Browser™ is likely to freeze up. If this happens, you will need to restart your computer by powering off, then powering it back on. If your instructor has not set the test to multiple attempts, your instructor will have to reset your test in Blackboard before you will be able to take it again. Your access to continue the exam is based on exam settings your instructor controls.
NOTE: Please reach out to your instructor if you lose your Internet connection during your exam to determine your next steps.
Other programs running in the background can cause Respondus LockDown Browser™ to lock up, freeze, or stop responding. Instant messaging, iTunes, chat, Internet and other Java based programs must be closed before launching Respondus LockDown Browser™.
Closing other programs also supports student academic integrity.