Blackboard Learn

Secure Exams Using Blackboard Learn and the Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB)

USE BLACKBOARD LEARN TO GIVE COMPUTERIZED TESTS:  Students can take computerized exams using the Test feature in Blackboard Learn. 

A wide variety of question types are available; images, audio and video can be used in test questions. 

Integrated item analysis can assist instructors with flagging questions to be dropped or regraded easily with a few clicks.  

Import existing tests or test banks into your course using the Respondus 4 test publisher software.

USE RESPONDUS LDB TO TAKE A TEST:  To guard against cheating, Downstate has also licensed the Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB). 

Integrated with Bb Learn, the Respondus LDB software prevents the student from opening other web pages, copying/capturing the screen or running other software. 

Use the Monitor feature to make a video recording of each student during their test. 

 Instructors can access a report flagging possible violations. clicking on links to jump to the possible violation for review.

The Respondus LDB software is installed on public lab computers. 

Students (and instructors) can install on their own computers - log into Blackboard Learn, then locate the link in the "Licensed Software for Downstate Users" on the lower area of the Home page.  Students take a practice test to certify that their setup will work.  If they cannot use their home setup to take the test, they can submit a request to come on campus to take their test.  Both the practice test and the link to the request form are located in the 'Online Resources for Students' course in Blackboard Learn.

Creating tests: 

• Click here to access videos and FAQs at Blackboard on creating tests. 
• Click here to download our Test Options checklist.
• Request training by sending an email to help@downstate.edu

Importing tests:

• Request installation of the Respondus 4 test publisher; send a request to help@downstate.edu
• Don't have it installed yet?  We will run the import - email the test to help@downstate.edu
• Click here to access instructor resources including videos and Quickstart Guides.
• Request training by sending an email to help@downstate.edu

Configuring your test to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser:

• Video: See how the Respondus LDB works.
• Video: How to configure your Blackboard Learn test to use the Respondus LDB/Monitor
• PDF: Download the Instructor Quickstart Guide
• When used for a Blackboard Learn computerized exam, it prevents the student from opening any other programs on that computer.
• The Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB) is already installed on Downstate public computers used for computerized exams.
• Students who need to install it on their own computer can download the installer by logging into Blackboard Learn. Search for the box titled "Licensed Software for Downstate Users" that is located on the lower part of the Home page. You may have to scroll down to find it.
• Faculty:  access the Respondus LDB in the Course Tools to select your test and set it to use the Respondus LDB. Use the links above to access the Quickstart Guide and video tutorials to learn how to set it up for use with your test.
• Request training by sending an email to help@downstate.edu