Respondus Secure Online Exams

Watch these videos

Introduction to LockDown Browser for Blackboard Learn Ultra
Youtube video, 2m:50s
This video shows how LockDown Browser works within Blackboard Learn Ultra courses. When students use LockDown Browser they are unable to print, copy, go to another website, or access other applications.

Preparing a Test for use with LockDown Browser in Blackboard Learn Ultra
Youtube video, 1m:37s
This video shows how lecturers can apply the LockDown Browser requirement to an exam in Blackboard Learn Ultra.

Respondus LockDown Browser should only be used for:

• major summative assessment (eg mid-semester tests, final exam)

Respondus LockDown Browser should not be used for:

• minor tests (on-course assessment)
• formative assessment
• assignments
• tests requiring the use of other applications (except Excel spreadsheets)
• tests requiring access to secure websites
• students who rely on accessibility software to use their computer effectively

Subject Coordinators can apply the requirement to use Respondus LockDown Browser (with or without Respondus Monitor) in an online test as required.

Download Respondus Lockdown Browser (Windows and Mac)

Please note: The Respondus Lockdown Browser app for iPad (iOS) and Chromebooks (ChromeOS) is not currently supported at JCU.

Off-campus students must use a desktop or laptop computer and install Respondus Lockdown Browser using the link above. Students should undertake a practice test (provided by the lecturer), ensure their webcam is working (where this is a requirement), ensure they have a reliable internet connection (preferably wired), and ensure they use the same computer for the actual test.

• Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor setup -  Best practice for STAFF)
• Respondus Exam Guide for Students (you can provide a link to this guide from your subject site)
• Tips - Respondus network and connectivity checks (PDF - for students)
• Respondus FAQs for Staff
• Recommended Respondus Settings
• Respondus (Blackboard Instructor Help)
• Respondus LockDown Browser Instructor Quick Start Guide (PDF)
• Check Respondus Known Issues
• Respondus and accessibility
• Understanding Respondus Monitor proctoring results

Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor:

Respondus LockDown Browser is a client application installed on the local computer.

Operating Systems

• Windows: 11 and 10*
  * Includes x86 32 and 64bit processors and ARM 64bit processors using x86 emulation.
  * Windows 10/11 "S mode" is not a compatible operating system, nor can LockDown Browser be obtained via the Windows App Store. At present, support for Windows 10/11 "S Mode" isn’t on the roadmap for LockDown Browser.
  * Windows 10/11 "SE" is currently not a compatible operating system for LockDown Browser.
• Mac: macOS 10.15 to 14.0+.

Memory

• Windows: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)
• Mac: 2 GB RAM (A minimum 4gb of available RAM is necessary when using LockDown Browser to take an exam that also uses a webcam.)

Hard Disk Space

Windows: 200 MB of free hard disk space
Mac: 200 MB of free hard disk space

Additional requirement for Respondus Monitor:

• Monitor requires the student to have a webcam.

Respondus LockDown Browser:

• Is a custom web browser that locks down the testing environment within LearnJCU
• Prevents students from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications
• Locks students into a test until they submit it for grading

Respondus Monitor : 

• Is a companion product for LockDown Browser designed for use when students take an online test in a non-invigilated setting (eg. off-campus)
• Uses the student’s webcam on their own computer to record assessment sessions within LearnJCU
• Records the student and the surrounding environment during the entire exam
• Allows lecturers to quickly review details of the assessment or watch the recorded video.