Setting up the Respondus LockDown Browser for a Quiz

Owned by Laurie Fox
Last updated: Jul 25, 2023 by Paige Piccola
2 min read

Brightspace offers a tool called Respondus, that will open up a new browser for students during a quiz. This is called a “Lock Down” browser, because it will essentially lock down their computer until the quiz is finished. Students will be unable to open a website, use a calculator, open files, or virtually anything. However, it is possible to manually allow students to use a calculator or view a website during the quiz if you wish. This tool is available to students on Macs, PCs, and Chromebooks. It is also possible to allow students to use the tool on an iPad if enabled in the Respondus settings.

Before You Start

Please note that the first time your students use Respondus, they will need to download the tool. You should allow time for this, especially if it is the first quiz of a semester and/or you are working with students new to Brightspace. Follow this link to the student instructions for installing and using the LockDown Browser.

Steps

  1. Once you have created a quiz, go into Course Tools and choose Quizzes. Click on the LockDown Browser tab.



  2. The LockDown Browser tab appears. You may be prompted with "Application Respondus v4.0 by Respondus Inc is trying to access your information. Would you like to proceed?" Check the box so you're not prompted again for the Respondus application, then click or tap the Continue button.



  3. Click on the menu icon to the left of the desired quiz and select Settings.




  4. Select Require LockDown Browser for this exam. Once you have made this selection you will be give options to change Password Settings and Advanced Settings. You can also allow students to use an iPad under the advanced settings.



  5. Make your selections and click Save + Close. You'll notice that the text "Requires Respondus LockDown Browser" has been appended to the title of your quiz.

Notes

You might notice, when in step 4 (above), that there are options for Proctoring. Despite your ability to select the second option, Require Respondus Monitor (automated proctoring) for this exam, SUNY Geneseo does not have a license for this option. You are advised to leave the default setting, Don't require proctoring for this exam, selected.

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