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Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor: About

Secure and monitor your remote exams

Icon of Respondus Lockdown Browser

IMPORTANT! How to Use Respondus Lockdown Browser has changed!

  • The way to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB) has changed due to the switch to Brightspace learning management system.
  • You do NOT open Respondus LDB first!
  • Instead, use a regular web browser - Firefox, Chrome, Edge, etc - to log into Brightspace and click on the "Start Quiz" button.
  • This will open Respondus LDB if it is installed on the computer that you are using.

What is Respondus Lockdown Browser?

  • Lockdown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within Brightspace, our learning management system, to prevent cheating.
  • The Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB)  is already installed on Downstate computers used for computerized exams.

How does Lockdown Browser work?

  • Video: See how Respondus Lockdown Browser works.
  • Assessments are displayed full-screen and cannot be minimized
  • Browser menu and toolbar options are removed, except for Back, Forward, Refresh and Stop
  • Prevents access to other applications including messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machines, and remote desktops
  • Printing and screen capture functions are disabled
  • Copying and pasting anything to or from an assessment is prevented
  • Right-click menu options, function keys, keyboard shortcuts and task switching are disabled
  • An assessment cannot be exited until the student submits it for grading
  • Assessments that are set up for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with other browsers

Where can I download Respondus Lockdown Browser?

  • Students: download Respondus LDB from the link in the Student Orientation and Information course in Brightspace.
  • Faculty: download Respondus LDB from a link in the Faculty Resources course in Brightspace.
  • Both Faculty and Students can download the LDB from a link shown at the bottom of the Start Test page.
  • A practice test and software download link is available for students to certify their home network/computer/camera/microphone.
  • Faculty must request a computer lab from Classroom Services for students who are unable to successfully certify their home setup.

What is Respondus Monitor?

  • Respondus Monitor allows students to take online exams from a remote location while ensuring the integrity of the exam process.
  • Monitor records audio/video of the student during the exam, then runs a post-exam facial recognition analysis and flags areas of concern such as the student looking at something other than the screen.
  • Students must have a working camera/microphone.

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