If your instructor is using LockDown Browser, or LockDown Browser with Monitor, the following resources can help you get started.
» Quick 2 Minute Overview Video: Introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser for Students
» Download the Quickstart Guide for Brightspace by D2L
LockDown Browser
What is it?
LockDown Browser® is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system. Used at over 2000 higher educational institutions, LockDown Browser is the “gold standard” for securing online exams in classrooms or proctored environments. The LockDown Browser is like a normal browser, except that once you click “Begin” on your test, it prevents you from opening Word documents, instant messages, or email, and it blocks you from visiting other websites or accessing other parts of the course.
How do I get it?
LockDown Browser requires administrator privileges to install on your device.
You will need to have administrator rights to the computer you’re using in order to install or use this browser. If you are using a device managed by a school you will want to ask if they have an updated version of Respondus Lockdown Browser for HVCC installed with appropriate permissions.
If a test requires LockDown Browser, it will include a link in its summary page to download and install it. If you already have LockDown installed from before you started using Brightspace, you should remove the old version before installing the new one. Once it’s installed, you can click Launch LockDown Browser at the bottom of the test’s summary page to open the test in LockDown.
Your instructor should offer a practice test before the first real one to make sure your settings and permissions are correct.
Do I have the right technology to take the exam?
Note: if you have previously downloaded Respondus Lockdown Browser for use with another school or system, it should be deleted. The only way to acquire a version of Respondus Lockdown Browser that will work with Brightspace is to click on a quiz that requires it. It will then prompt you to download and install the correct version.
» See Computer Requirements
Can I use my Chromebook to take my exam?
Yes, Chromebooks can be used to take exams that require the use of Respondus Lockdown Browser. To ensure that Respondus Lockdown Browser launches correctly you will want to complete the following:
Getting Help
Help and resources are available from Respondus.
Some built-in resources are also available within LockDown Browser if you encounter problems:
- The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a “Help Center” button located on the toolbar.
- Use the “System & Network Check” to troubleshoot issues.
LockDown Browser with Monitor
Respondus Monitor® is the leading remote proctoring solution for higher education. It allows students to take online assessments from a remote location - all while ensuring the integrity of the exam process. Your instructor may also be using Monitor in conjunction with LockDown Browser. Monitor is an automated proctor that makes a video/audio recording of you taking the test. Afterward, it processes the video to find any activities of concern and flags them for the instructor to watch and review later.
Important Tips
Here are some tips to make sure the software won’t raise any flags:
- Before the exam begins, watch this two-minute video to help orient you to this type of testing.
- Make sure your face is visible the entire time.
- Don’t wear hats that extend beyond your forehead, including baseball caps.
- Place laptop computers on a firm surface like a desk or table, not your lap.
- Make sure your entire face is in the camera frame.
- Sit at a desk or table. Laying down on a couch or bed while taking an exam will increase the chance of you moving outside of the webcam’s video frame, thereby promoting Monitor to flag a suspicious behavior.
- Make all adjustments to your webcam BEFORE the exam starts.
Choose a Location & Maximize Bandwidth
- Make sure the lighting in room in which you are taking the exam works with Monitor:
- Have light in front of your face and not behind your head.
- Ensure there is light that is bright enough to show the details of your face clearly. If your face is too shadowed, the automated video analysis is more likely to flag you as missing.
- Select a distraction-free environment with no interruptions during the exam. Not only will that help you concentrate, it will also keep your eyes focused on the screen. In addition, other people that come into view of the webcam may also trigger flags by the automated system.
- The more bandwidth you have while taking your exam, the less likely you are to run into trouble.
Test Your Computer and Web Cam
Trouble Shooting