Top 8 Tips for Using Respondus LockDown Browser

(See Knowledge Base article on using this tool.)

Are you using Respondus Monitor?

(Added to page on 12/4) Faculty should understand and carefully consider the concerns associated with the use of online proctoring services, including potential issues related to privacy, bias, and access, prior to implementing them in their courses.

Tip #1: Important: Student’s can’t use Chromebooks

Chromebooks WILL NOT WORK with the LockDown Browser and neither will computers with the Linux operating system. If you have students who are unable to access a laptop or desktop running Windows or Mac operating systems, they will not be able to take the test using Respondus LockDown Browser.

Tip #2: Practice, practice…

We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to deploy a no-stakes test that requires the LockDown Browser. This is a critical step to discover potential problems before the actual exam. Additionally, you can download the LockDown Browser and use the Student Preview Mode to try take the test yourself.

Tip #3: Don’t choose Force Completion in Test Options

The “Force Completion” setting means that if a student loses connection during an exam, Blackboard designates it as complete and the student can’t re-open it to finish. The CTL does not recommend this. Read about the potential problems and academic honesty concerns.

Tip #4: Students must use the UVM version of the LockDown Browser

Be sure to share this link to the Respondus LockDown Browser Knowledge Base article with students. They can download the correct software from there.

Tip #5: Don’t alter these settings

After you deploy a test using the LockDown Browser, do not change any of these settings or Respondus will not work:

  • Test Name
  • Open Test in a New Window
  • Require a Password
  • Password (You will see that Respondus has inserted something in this field, but just ignore it. Students do not need to be informed of it.)

Tip #6: Emphasize students’ responsibility for a successful testing experience

Send these two Knowledge Base pages to students before the exam and stress to students that they need to follow all the steps before taking the test.

Tip #7: Review these Test Tips for Instructors

On the Knowledge Base: https://www.uvm.edu/it/kb/article/blackboard-test-tips-for-instructors/

Tip #8: Inform students where to see their grades

When students take tests using the LockDown Browser, they also have to use the LockDown Browser to see their test grades in Blackboard.