Respondus LockDown Browser

What is Respondus LockDown?

lockRespondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that secures the testing environment in Moodle. When faculty enable LockDown Browser on a Moodle quiz, students cannot print, copy, visit other web pages, access other applications, or close a quiz until it is submitted for grading.

How to Set up Respondus LockDown Browser in Moodle

1. First, create a Moodle Quiz.

2. Locate the Respondus LockDown Browser block and click ‘Dashboard’.
Blocks are located on the right-hand side of the course in a menu that can be expanded or collapsed by clicking the burgundy arrow.

Dashboard link in Moodle.

If you do not see the Respondus Dashboard block in your course:

  • Toggle Edit mode to on at the top-right corner.
  • Locate Add a Block at the top of the blocks drawer on the right side of the page.
  • Select Respondus LockDown Browser and the block will be added to the blocks on the right side of your Moodle page.

Adding a block to Moodle


3. The Respondus Dashboard lists all Moodle Quizzes in your course.  Under the quiz you want to enable the Respondus LockDown Browser, click the green arrow and choose ‘Settings’.

Respondus setting in Moodle.


4. Select ‘Require Respondus Lockdown Browser for this exam’.  Click the + to expand the ‘Advanced Settings’.

Require Respondus Lockdown Browser for this exam.

5. Under Advanced Settings, select the following options:

  • Optional: Lock students into the browser until the exam is completed.
    • When set to off, students who leave an exam before submitting it will have to provide a reason for exiting the exam early. This reason can then be viewed by the instructor.
    • When set to on, students will not be able to exit Respondus or the exam unless they provide a password. This is not recommended in cases where they are not proctored in-person, as they would be unable to exit the exam during an emergency.
  • Recommended: Allow students to take this exam with an iPad. If their laptop computer is incompatible with Respondus LockDown, an iPad could be used as a backup option.
  • If you need students to access any other websites, click ‘Allow access to specific external web domains’ and add them here.
  • You can also enable a Calculator and Printing if necessary.


6. Click ‘Save + Close.’  Respondus LockDown Browser is now enabled for this exam.

Recommendations & Considerations

  • Always create a practice quiz using LockDown Browser. This will allow students to download the LockDown Browser and practice a few questions on their device prior to the real exam. They can address any issues they may encounter prior to the exam.

 

  • Students requiring assistive technologies may be unable to use LockDown Browser. LockDown Browser is not fully compatible with all assistive technologies, and may prevent some features from being used.
    • If you have a student for whom this is the case, you can create a duplicate version of your exam.

 

  •  Inform students how to ask you a question during the exam (if students are completing the exam remotely). Since LockDown Browser prevents students from opening other tabs or applications, you may wish to instruct remote students to ask you questions using a second device (e.g., they might email you using a mobile phone or tablet.)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I create a practice quiz using Respondus LockDown?
    • Create a new Quiz in Moodle.
    • Adjust the timing settings so students have enough time to test the quiz. Set the number of attempts for the practice quiz to Unlimited.
    • Add several questions to your quiz. It is recommended to add a few similar question types that students will see on the exam.
    • Enable the same Respondus settings for the practice quiz and save.
    • Instruct your students to install the browser and complete the practice quiz in advance of your exam.

 

  • What should my students do if they encounter issues with Respondus LockDown?
    • Students encountering technical issues can contact Respondus Technical Support.
    • If possible, they can attempt to install the browser on a second device, which they can use to write the exam.

 

  • What should I do if a student cannot download the LockDown browser and is unable to write an exam?
    • Ask if they have a second device (laptop or iPad) they can use for the exam, or if they can borrow one from a friend or family member.
    • Otherwise, refer them to the Test Centre. All computers in the Test Centre should have Respondus LockDown browser installed. Note: the Test Centre requires 5 days advance notice to schedule students.

 

  • What can I do if a student requires assistive technology that is not compatible with the LockDown browser?
    • Create a duplicate version of your exam and disable Respondus Lockdown on the copy of your test for these students.
      • Sign into your course in Moodle.
      • Duplicate your exam (click Edit > Duplicate next to your exam on your course’s main page).
      • Open to the Respondus Dashboard and disable LockDown Browser for the duplicated version of your exam.
      • Instruct the student to complete the duplicate version.

Student Instructions

1. Click on the exam link in Moodle.  Students will see the description, which notes the exam requires Respondus LockDown Browser.

2. Click the link to ‘Download LockDown Browser’ on this page.  If students already installed it for another exam, they will not need to download it again.

3. When ready to start the exam, click ‘Launch LockDown Browser.’  The exam will automatically open in a new browser, and students will be asked to close any other applications.

Require Respondus Lockdown browser for this exam.

Respondus LockDown Browser Support 

For assistance with Respondus, contact Chris Schubert or Rob Comtois.

Christopher Schubert
Senior Educational Technology Specialist

Moodle

Zoom

eGrades

FLEX Classroom Training

(705) 566-8101 x 6216

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Robert Comtois
eLearning Technologist

Moodle

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eGrades

FLEX Classroom Training

(705) 566-8101 x 6207

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