Using Respondus LockDown Browser (and a Webcam) for Online Exams (for CUHK Teachers)

Overview

Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that can lock down test/exam environment within Blackboard . If a Blackboard Test requires LockDown Browser be used, students cannot take the test/exam with a standard web browser. For more information, please visit: https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/

Preparation and Setup (by Instructor and/or TA/Support Staff)

  1. Create and deploy a Test in the Blackboard course.
  2. From the Control Panel, locate Course Tools and select Respondus LockDown Browser.
  3. A list of deployed Tests will be displayed. Select Settings from the context menu of the Test.
  4.  Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam. Optionally, you may create a test/exam password.
  5.  To require all students use a webcam during the exam, select Require Respondus Monitor (automated proctoring) for this exam. Ensure it is tested with your students prior to the test. 
  6. Reminder: To preserve the settings used by LockDown Browser, do NOT modify these settings in Test Options: 
    1. Name
    2. Open Test in a New Window
    3. Require a password
    4. Password. 

If these settings have been modified the test/exam status will appear as an "Error."

Result checking

To access information and review the recorded videos of the Tests that require Respondus Monitor:

  1. From the Control Panel, locate Course Tools and select Respondus LockDown Browser.
  2. A list of deployed Tests will be displayed. Select Class Results from the context menu of the Test.

[Important]

Known Issue with Respondus Monitor

  • Affected Tests: Any tests with Respondus Monitor enabled.
  • Affected Classes: Classes that include users whose First Name or Last Name fields are blank in Blackboard.
  • Issue Description: Instructors and TA/Support Staff may encounter errors when accessing Class Results or Exam Stats on Respondus Lockdown Browser Dashboard.
    • As a result, recordings and statistics from Respondus Monitor will be inaccessible.
  • Current Status: We are working with the vendor.
  • Recommended Action: Contact us (ITSC Service Desk: https://servicedesk.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk or elearning@cuhk.edu.hk) BEFORE conducting the assessment.

The screen recording feature is currently NOT available in the ITSC Training Rooms. We are actively working to make this feature available soon.

Best practices

  1. Make an announcement (or add the information to the course syllabus): sample word document
  2. Set up a practice test/exam for the students
  3. Set up the real test/exam for the students
  4. Require students to

More information

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