TLDR;

Respondus 4.0 Campus wide (Test Manager) is a test management software, used by faculty to create tests, quizzes, exams and surveys to administer to students.

Respondus Lockdown Browser is a web browser used by students to access and take Blackboard tests.

How do they work?

Respondus 4.0 and Blackboard both allow the instructor to create/originate tests within their respective applications. Where Respondus 4.0 excels is in it's ability to automatically convert properly formatted word documents into an online exam format. The Blackboard test creation system is better when creating new individual questions. Mostly because using the Respondus test manager requires the additional step of uploading the exam into the Blackboard course shell. Once uploaded to the Blackboard shell the exam is indistinguishable from ones created in the Blackboard Test Canvas. If not done when uploading from Respondus 4.0, the exams can then be deployed in the course for students to take.

Regardless from where a test originates, when it is deployed in a course it can have Respondus Lockdown Browser enabled to work with it. You can set or reset enablement by going to the Control Panel, expanding Course Tools, and selecting the Respondus Lockdown Browser option. On your first visit you will be presented with some information on how the Browser works, you can then select Continue to LockDown Browser to see the list of all deployed exams in your class. You can then modify the setting of the test selected to require the LockDown Browser or not. This process will automatically add "MUST BE TAKEN WITH RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER" to the test title.

Note: This name will carry over if a course is copied, but the setting to require Respondus doesn't always. You will either need to go through the process to enable the LockDown Browser for the exam again in the new class or click the Fix It button in the Course Tool for the exam to be properly registered in the new class.

When Respondus LockDown Browser is enabled, a student will not be allowed to take the test without it. They will get stuck at a page in Blackboard asking for a password to start the exam. The student must switch browsers to the Respondus lockdown browser, then login to Blackboard and navigate back to the test to start. At that point it should allow the student to start the exam without requiring a password.  

How do they work together?

In summary, the steps are as follows:

• Create the test. Either in Blackboard or in Respondus 4.0 Campus wide (Test Manager) and upload it to Blackboard.
• Deploy the exam to a content area and set the test availability. Either in Blackboard or when uploading the test from Respondus 4.0.
• The student then takes the test on the chosen day through Respondus Lockdown browser

Respondus Monitor

Respondus Monitor™ is a companion product for LockDown Browser that enables institutions to protect the integrity of non-proctored, online exams. Students use their own computer and a webcam to record assessment sessions, all without leaving the institution's learning management system.

More information about Respondus Monitor>>>

Instructor Live Proctoring *Beta*

Institutions that license LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor have an additional remote proctoring option that works with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and other video systems. The new “Instructor Live Proctoring” option uses LockDown Browser to prevent cheating on the computer itself, while the instructor watches students via video conferencing. This method is only recommended for small class sizes where instructors can effectively observe and track students during the exam.

More information about Live Proctoring>>>

More about Zoom

Operating Systems

Hard Disk Space

Windows: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive

Mac: 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive

Browser Requirements

LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed to a local computer. Both the Windows edition and the Mac edition of the browser are based on Chromium, Google's open source framework. Students do NOT need Google's Chrome browser installed; nor will this version affect a Chrome browser that's already installed.

Internet Connection

Do not use wireless connections when taking tests in Respondus LockDown Browser. Students should use a computer that is connected to the Internet through a high-speed wired connection. It is not recommended that the student take tests on a computer with a wireless connection to the Internet because it is very possible that they will lose connection during their test.

LockDown Browser Only

The sample text below can be used in your course or syllabus. It explains that students must use LockDown Browser for their online tests.

Using LockDown Browser for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=957936032 

To take an online test, start LockDown Browser and navigate to the exam. (You won't be able to access the exam with a standard web browser.) For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide (PDF)

https://web.respondus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/RLDB-Quick-Start-Guide-Bb-Student.pdf 

Finally, when taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

• Select a location where you won't be interrupted
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don't have them within reach
• Clear your area of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or devices
• Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test
• LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

LockDown Browser and Monitor

The sample wording below can be used in your course to explain that students must use LockDown Browser and a webcam (Respondus Monitor) for their online tests.

Download this text in a Word file

Using LockDown Browser and a Webcam for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide (PDF) is also available.

https://web.respondus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/RLDB-Quick-Start-Guide-Bb-Student.pdf 

Then download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=957936032 

To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, do the following:

• Start LockDown Browser, select AState Jonesboro and AState Online from the list of servers and log into Blackboard.
• Select this course and navigate to the test location.
• Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
• Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues.
• Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information can also be emailed to our institution's help desk.
• Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named [NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: CREATE A BRIEF PRACTICE QUIZ AND INSERT NAME OF QUIZ HERE; IF NECESSARY, INCLUDE LOCATION OF QUIZ].
• Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following guidelines:

• Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
• If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the Webcam Check and System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to starting the test
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window

Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

To ensure that your first exam using LockDown Browser runs smoothly! Have students take an ungraded practice quiz that requires the use of LockDown Browser, before the graded exam occurs. There should be one for you to use located in the Authentication and Proctoring for Academic Integrity content area of your classes.

If you are also using Monitor, Direct students to use the Help Center prior to their first exam. With LockDown Browser open, log into the course and select the Help Center button the toolbar. From there, run the Webcam Check and the System Check to make sure everything is working properly. It would also be a good idea from them to run an internet speed test to check that they do have a good connection before starting the exam. If a problem is indicated, students can search for a solution in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information, like the date, time, Blackboard ID, and location of the test in the class, can also be emailed to the ITS helpdesk to ensure that students have an easier time if they need any support starting their exam. 

Leave the quiz available for the duration of the course, with unlimited attempts, so students can access it again if they use a different computer.

Respondus Resources

Training Webinars

Register for a free training webinar on LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor.

Getting Started with LockDown Browser

10 Reasons to use LockDown Browser

Download LockDown Broswer for the ASU System

Instructor Quick Start Guide for Blackboard Learn Original Courses

Resources for your Students

Student Quick Start Guide for Blackboard Learn Original Courses

This video should be included in the Authentication and Proctoring for Academic Integrity content area in your Blackboard courses, https://web.respondus.com/lockdownbrowser-student-video/. Feel free to share the direct link to the video in an announcement or in your syllabus. 

Technical Support

Visit their Support section for technical questions or to submit a ticket