RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER

About

Respondus LockDown Browser™ is a customized browser that increases the security of online testing in SacCT. It prevents students from printing, copying, going to another website, or accessing other applications during an assessment. If a SacCT assessment requires that Respondus LockDown Browser be used, the assessment won't be accessible with a standard Web browser.

Respondus LockDown Browser should only be used for taking assessments in SacCT. It should not be used in other areas of SacCT or to visit other websites.

Note: This software works only with Internet Explorer (Windows) and Safari (Macintosh) browsers.

Handouts

You can get the workshop documents from the Handouts Web page.

Tutorials

Visit the Tutorials Web page for detail tutorials on a variety of topics.

Why Use Respondus LockDown Browser?

• Increase security of online quizzes and exams.
• Ensure students are focused on your assessments, and not distracted by other applications.

Getting Started

1. An instructor must first set an assessment for use with the Respondus LockDown Browser.
   1. From the Build or Teach tabs, select the Edit Properties option for the assessment in the ActionLinks menu.
   2. Scroll down and expand the Security Settings area to display all settings.
   3. Select the checkbox next to Browser Restriction so the assessment can only be used with the Respondus LockDown Browser.
   4. Save your changes to the assessment.
       
2. Follow the Installation instructions to download and install the correct version of Respondus LockDown Browser for your computer.
3. Review the Taking an Assessment steps when you are ready to take an online quiz or exam.

To avoid last-minute problems, it’s strongly recommended that Respondus LockDown Browser be installed and tested well before students are expected to use it for an exam. If students are installing Respondus LockDown Browser to their own computers, we suggest that you create a sample quiz where the sole purpose is to confirm whether students have successfully installed the Respondus LockDown Browser and understand how to use it for taking an assessment.

How Does It Work?

Respondus LockDown Browser provides a custom interface for the Internet Explorer (Windows) or Safari (Macintosh) software that is already installed on the computer. It does not modify an existing copy of Internet Explorer or Safari, but rather, installs a separate program that displays a custom browser when it is started. Respondus LockDown Browser uses the same security features and service packs that are currently installed for Internet Explorer or Safari. Installing Respondus LockDown Browser won’t modify your current version of Internet Explorer or Safari in any way.

Accessibility for Students with Disabilities

Due to the limited use of the Alt, Ctrl, Function, and Option keys while Respondus LockDown Browser is running, which limits the functionality of assistive technologies used by students with disabilities, we recommend you NOT require students with disabilities to use Respondus LockDown Browser for assessments.  If a student with a disability requiring the use of an assistive technology to access content online is enrolled in your course, you should establish a plan to provide the student an equal alternate form of access to take assessments, such as taking the assessment in the Testing Center and/or creating an alternate assessment that does not have the LockDown Browser restriction.

To learn more about what you can do to make your instructional materials accessible, contact the Instructional Materials Specialist at 278-2847 and visit the Instructional Materials Accessibility Checklist webpage.