Using respondus LockDown browser

1. Using respondusLockDownbrowser

2. The following ideas will be presented. What is a LockDown Browser? What is required? What are its advantages and disadvantages? How does the instructor/GA set this up? What must the student do in order to complete an assessment in BlackBoard? When all is set up, what does the process look like? Any questions?

3. What is the respondus Lockdown Browser? The RespondusLockDown Browser is a program that increases the security of the BlackBoard testing environment.

4. Why do we need This Program? To maintain student academic honesty.

5. Advantages Students are unable to access URL’s. Students are unable to email each other. Students are unable to access other BlackBoard files and tools. Students are unable to access software applications. Students are unable to copy and paste test questions into a file intended to share with others. Students are unable to print pages intended to share with others. Students are unable to capture screen shots.

6. Disadvantages No other applications such as Excel, MathCad, etc. can be open. If a student does not close all applications before beginning an assessment, the computer can “freeze” and the only option is to turn off the computer. Some applications such as Windows Messenger, are not obvious to the user, although, in this case, the student will be prompted. Only certain browsers can be used. There are still ways that a student can “find a loophole” such as the phone, using two computers at a time, etc.

7. What are the requirements? PC users need Internet Explorer 5.5 version or higher. Distance Education (ETUO) recommends the Safari browser for Mac users. RespondusLockDown Browser software (free download), Students must have administrator rights in order to download the software. This means that assessments must be completed on a personal computer or a lab computer that contains this software. Without this, the student is unable to access the assessment. BlackBoard, and Current version of java.

8. Basic process for faculty Create and upload assessment into BlackBoard. Checkmark “restrict browser settings” in the assessment’s security settings. To observe the results, access the assessment from the Student View in BlackBoard and use the corresponding link to download RespondusLockDown Browser. Then close BlackBoard, install the LockDown Browser, close all applications, and open up the LockDown browser in IE or Safari.

9. A demonstration of the process Let’s assume that a quiz is uploaded in BlackBoard. Checkmark “restrict browser settings” in the assessment’s security settings.

13. Before installing the Respondus Lockdown browser… Go to www.uh.edu/blackboard and perform a “Browser Check”. If any of the browser checks fail, resolve those issues before installation.

14. Then, from the Student View, access the assessment and corresponding link to download RespondusLockDown Browser. You must download Respondus in this manner. The LockDown Browser needs to capture the settings of our Blackboard system and cannot do so when someone downloads the link directly from other sources, such as an email or website.

27. This is what the Student will see.. If a student attempts a quiz without installing the LockDown Browser, he will be unable to take the quiz.

30. However, this is the link that the student must also use to download the RespondusLockDown Browser. Remember to instruct your students to use the appropriate browser to download the application. This may mean that someone must log out of BlackBoard, and open IE (for PC users) or Safari (for Mac users). Remember to instruct your students to perform a browser check on BlackBoard’s homepage and resolve any issues before downloading. Remember, the LockDown Browser needs to capture the settings of our Blackboard system and cannot do so when someone downloads the link directly from other sources, such as an email or website.

31. Once the Student downloads the LockDown Browser and is ready to complete the an assessment… Restart the computer. Make sure that all applications are closed. Open the “LockDown Browser” shortcut on the desktop. If any other applications are still open, the student will be prompted with a message and asked if Respondus should close the application. Choose “Yes”.

32. A message will appear, “More than one e-learning system is used at your institution. Please select the appropriate system from the list below.” Click on the blank field and choose “BlackBoard Vista”, then click on “OK”. The login page will appear. Choose “University of Houston” and log in to BlackBoard. The BlackBoard homepage appears. Log in. Choose the appropriate course and locate the assessment. Click on “Begin”.

33. Once the assessment begins, the student may not access other BlackBoard tools, software applications, etc. When the student completes the assessment, he may click on “Finish” and will be able to “View Attempt”. The student may click on “Done”, then “Log Out”. Choose “Yes” to “Exit” the LockDown Browser. The student must log in to BlackBoard again to access other tools and course material.

34. A demonstration

35. Questions?

36. Need further help? Paul Waldrop, Instructional Designer, College of Technology, pwaldrop@uh.edu Sue Schroeder, M.S., Lecturer & Program Manager, Instructional Support Services, HDCS, sschroeder@uh.edu.