Blackboard (Student): Respondus LockDown Browser

Some instructors may require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) to take an online exam. If this is the case, the LDB application must be downloaded, installed, and used to take the exam in question - the exam title will indicate if LDB is required. If you try to access the exam using a standard browser, you will not be able to access it - refer to the FAQ section below for further information and additional troubleshooting for other issues.

Respondus Monitor is an optional feature of LockDown Browser designed to protect the integrity of non-proctored, online exams. Instructors may configure an exam to use Respondus Lockdown Browser along with Respondus Monitor instead of requiring a personally proctored exam. When taking an exam using Respondus Monitor, you will be required to show a photo ID and perform an environment scan by using your webcam to record your surroundings. A system check will be conducted before the beginning of your exam to ensure the webcam and microphone are working properly. You and the surrounding environment are recorded during the entire exam and any suspicious activity that is detected is flagged within the recording. Recordings are securely stored in the cloud by Amazon Cloud Storage and​ are only accessible through the course shell by the Instructor.

Respondus Montior Recording Etiquette tips are available here

OTE: LockDown Browser is compatible with Chromebooks and iPads--although there are some specific limitations with Chromebook usage and in the case of iPads, instructors must specifically configure their use within the LockDown Browser settings and students must download the iPad edition of LDB. LockDown Browser cannot be run in the Virtual Lab.  See the FAQ section below for details.

USE OF CHROMEBOOKS TO COMPLETE AN EXAM:

While a Chromebook may be used to take a Lockdown Browser exam, there are limitations and/or known issues with use of LockDown Browser for Chromebook.  These limitations/issues (identified below) may impact the student's testing experience and, as such, students should try to complete a Lockdown Browser exam on a PC or Mac computer:

• Quiz passwords (specified via the "optional password" field in the LockDown Browser Dashboard) aren’t currently supported for exams that use only LockDown Browser. For exams requiring Respondus Monitor, the optional password field is supported.
• LockDown Browser’s Calculator and Spreadsheet features aren’t currently supported
• The extended keyboard functions (for adding symbols and special characters) isn’t currently available
• LockDown Browser’s “Help Center” is currently unavailable
• "Allow access to specific external web domains" option is currently not supported. Meaning, if your instructor has allowed the use of a specific web domain while taking a Lockdown Browser exam, Chromebook users would not be able to access that web domain despite it being allowed.

NOTE: LockDown Browser may run into display issues if attempting to use multiple monitors as the browser tries to extend across multiple displays vs running on a single display.

Downloading / Installing LockDown Browser for Windows

Mac-specific instructions are available below.

Open a web browser and navigate to following web address: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=291112242

1. When the page loads, select Install Now

NOTE: If the Mac version is required, select that link as shown in the screenshot below.

 

3. When the installer screen appears, select the desired language and click Next
    
4. When prompted to accept the License Agreement Terms of Use, click I accept the terms of the license agreement and click Next

 

5. The installation will proceed and may take several minutes to complete
    
6. When the installation is complete, click the Finish button
    
7. The LDB icon should now appear on the Desktop. Continue with the section below: Using LDB to take Exam
   

Verifying and Installing the LockDown Browser Extension on a Chromebook

The Chrome Web Browser can be used to take a Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) test but the LockDown Browser Extension must be installed in the Chrome Web Browser before the LDB test will be accessible to the student.

The message below indicates the LockDown Browser Extension is NOT installed in the Chrome Web Browser. 

Do not attempt to find a password.   The LockDown Browser uses a behind the scenes password that tells a Web Browser the LDB is required.

Verifying if the LockDown Browser Extension is installed in the Chrome Web Browser

Click on the Extension Icon (jigsaw puzzle piece) in the upper right hand corner of the Chrome Browser to see if the LockDown Browser Extension is installed as shown below.

Installing the LockDown Browser Extension in the Chrome Web Browser

Open the Chrome Web Browser and navigate to following web address: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=291112242

Click Add Extension in the prompt shown below.

The Chrome Browser will indicate the LockDown Browser Extension has been installed as shown below.

You can now navigate to your Blackboard Course and proceed with your Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) Test on your Chromebook.

Downloading / Installing LockDown Browser for Mac OS

1. Open a web browser and navigate to following web address: http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/information.pl?ID=291112242
    
2. When the page loads, click Install Now
    
3. Open the zip file and when the installer begins, click Continue

 

4. Click Continue again
    
5. Read then click Agree to the License Terms and Agreements
    
6. Click Install
   • If a password prompt appears, enter the admin / system profile password and click Ok
      
7. Click Close when the installation finishes
    
8. LDB will now be accessible by going to the hard drive > Applications > LockDown Browser
    
9. Continue with the section below: Using LDB to take Exam

Using LockDown Browser to Take Exam

1. When you are ready to take the exam in the course, begin by closing all running programs on your computer unless they are needed to connect to the Internet. This includes standard browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome or Safari and applications running in the background such as Skype, Instant Messenger, Email, iTunes, etc.)
    
2. Locate and open the LockDown Browser program by double-clicking the shortcut on the desktop

NOTE: For Mac users, launch LockDown Browser from the Applications folder.

NOTE: The LockDown Browser application MUST be launched and used to complete the exam(s) that require it. Simply downloading and having the program installed on your computer is not enough to complete the process.

3. If the screen prompts appear indicating other open programs must be closed, choose Yes to allow LockDown Browser to automatically close those programs
    
4. Once LockDown Browser opens, it will automatically display the Blackboard login screen. Enter your Global ID and Password. Do not include @cmich.edu in your username
    
5. From the displayed course list, access the course which contains the exam you will be taking and navigate to that exam in the course
    
6. Launch the exam by clicking on the link

NOTE: If a password prompt appears at this point along with a notice that the assessment requires LockDown Browser, this means you are using a standard browser and you will not be able to access the exam. (See FAQ #3 below for an example screen shot). In rare cases, it is possible a password may have been configured for the exam, but this should have been provided to you by your instructor.

7. If the test is configured to use Respondus Monitor, a Start-up Sequence appear, where you must review/agree to the Terms of Service and complete a Webcam Check to verify your camera and microphone are working.  Depending on the configuration chosen, you may be also asked to take a photo, show an ID or complete an environment check to show the area around your computer is free of papers, notes, books.  Once the sequence is complete, the test will then open.
8. Once the test has been launched with LockDown Browser, you should complete the entire test and click Submit when you are done. If you attempt to exit the browser during an exam and your instructor has not modified the default settings, the following prompt will appear:

 

• 8.1 If the Close the Browser option is selected, you will be required to enter a reason for exiting the exam early and your instructor will be notified of the date/time you exited the exam, as well as the reason provided

[NOTE]:  Exams that require Lockdown Browser to complete a test will also require Lockdown Browser be launched in order to view test feedback through My Grades after the test has been taken. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I download and install LockDown Browser if I'm using an iPad?

Downloading/Installing Lockdown Browser on iPad

1. From the Apple App Store, download and install the LockDown Browser app to the iPad. (Requires iOS 11 or higher).
2. Launch the LockDown Browser app and when prompted for the institution during Setup, select Central Michigan University.
3. When setup is complete, you will be directed to the Blackboard login page.
4. Enter your global ID and password, navigate to the course and access the test. 

Q2. I'm really confused, it looks like I'm being prompted for a password, but my instructor didn't give me it, but I'm also seeing a notice that this assessment requires Respondus LockDown Browser. What do I do?

 

A2. If you see the above screen it means you are attempting to access the exam using a standard browser (IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.) rather than using the LockDown Browser environment. Ensure that you are clicking on the LockDown Browser icon from your desktop or in the installed programs list to launch it and try to access the exam again. LockDown Browser is a separate web browser that must be launched and used for exams. Refer to the above section entitled Using LockDown Browser.

Q3. The LDB screen just stopped responding while I was in my exam - it wouldn't allow me to save my answers or move on to other questions. Why did this occur?
A3. If you lose your Internet connection during the exam, it will also lock up the browser - this most often is caused by using a wireless Internet connection or mobile hotspot connection which are prone to more drops / interruptions. If at all possible, plug in and use an Ethernet connection as this will provide the most stable, consistent connection. If you use a router, plug in your laptop via cable to reduce the chance of interruptions. If a wireless connection must be used, get as close to the wireless connection as possible while taking the exam to improve connectivity. Avoid clicking on the "Save" button repeatedly, particularly if using the webcam as it will require additional bandwidth.

Q4. My instructor allows us to use notes, external resources, etc. while taking an online exam. Most of these resources are in an online or digital format. Will LockDown Browser prevent me from using these on the same computer during exam completion?
A4. It depends. There is a newer LDB setting that your instructor can use that will allow students to access / view another specific web domain or online calculator while taking the exam. Another option is if the notes or outside resources have been included as web links within the exam, LockDown Browser will open the links in a new, locked window and you will be able to access the content on the new page.

Q5. What do I do once I've submitted my exam with LockDown Browser?
A5. Once you see a notification that the exam has successfully been completed, close that window, then log out of Blackboard and exit LockDown Browser. It should only be used for accessing and taking required exams and / or viewing the exam results. Use your standard browser for all other course activities.

Q6. Is it possible to exit the exam if a problem or emergency arises (e.g. family situation, Internet connection failure)?
A6. Provided the default exam settings have not been modified, when you close the browser, you will be prompted to enter a reason for leaving the exam early. Keep in mind this option should be used only in rare cases and your instructor will be notified of the date / time you entered and exited the exam as well as the reason provided for leaving the exam. If only one attempt is permitted for the exam, it will still be necessary to contact your instructor to ask if they will reset the exam attempt.

Q7. I would like to change the font size of the text. Can I do this within LockDown Browser?
A7. Click the Information-Settings icon that appears in the upper left (the i button). Look for Set Font Size and choose the setting from the drop-down box. Click Apply.

Q8. The Webcam test was not able to detect my camera, what can I do?
A8. The following KB article from Respondus provides several troubleshooting steps: Respondus Student KB article
       Additional articles are available for any other types of questions that may arise.