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Guidelines for the Use of Respondus Lockdown Browser in Assessments
LockDown Browser is a locked browser for completing assessments in MyLearningSpace (MyLS). It prevents you from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during an assessment. If an assessment, like a quiz or test, requires LockDown Browser, you will not be able to take the assessment with a standard web browser.
Our comprehensive guide walks you through how to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser, including how to:
- download the Lockdown Browser (personal computer or computer lab)
- test the system
- take an assessment using Lockdown Browser
- get help for technical issues during an assessment
Lockdown Browser software is available for download from your MyLS course homepage, from the “Quizzes” page, or directly from Respondus.
The software must be installed on a desktop or laptop computer (Mac or PC), or an iPad tablet. It is not compatible with Chromebooks, any other tablet, or any smart phone.
There are several steps to perform on a public computer in a computer lab before an exam can be taking using the Lockdown Browser. Attempting to download or install the browser incorrectly can lead to errors or problems accessing your exam.
To install Respondus Lockdown Browser on a Computer Lab device:
- Log in to a computer using your Laurier credentials.
- Select Software List icon from the desktop.
- A Chrome window will open with “Validation in progress.”
- When “Validation in progress” changes to “Validation successful,” a list of programs will appear.
- Scroll to or search for Respondus Lockdown Browser.
- Select Launch. An AppsAnywhere window will appear and may take a moment to finish loading.
- Once installation is completed, Lockdown Browser will appear in a new window and on the desktop.
- Open Google Chrome and log in to MyLearningSpace.
- Follow the steps to test the system and take an assessment using Lockdown Browser.
Within MyLearningSpace, do not click Download and install the latest version of LockDown Browser because it has already been installed on the lab computer.
Testing the System
You must test the software on your computer before you complete online exams. Many of the issues our students encounter are resolvable in advance with the technical assistance available.
A practice quiz is set up in MyLS to test the Lockdown Browser. Make sure you are accessing the practice quiz on the same computer you are using to write your real assessment.
To access the practice quiz and test your system:
- Log in to MyLearningSpace.
- Select Quizzes.
- Select Practice Quiz under the “Current Quizzes” heading.
- Log in to MyLearningSpace.
- Select Self-Registration from the MyLS homepage.
- Select the Respondus Practice Quiz course.
Troubleshooting Tips for Testing
If Lockdown Browser does not work when you are testing your system:
- Exit your quiz in MyLS.
- Close Lockdown Browser.
- Restart your computer.
- Follow the steps to access practice quiz above.
If you continue to experience difficulties with Lockdown Browser, refer to the troubleshooting guide or select the Help Center button on the toolbar at the top of the Lockdown Browser window. Follow the prompts to complete the System Check.
If you are unable to resolve the issue during your practice quiz, contact Educational Technologies for assistance at examquestions@wlu.ca. Be sure to test your computer prior to each test.
Take an Assessment Using Lockdown Browser
With the Lockdown Browser activated, the online test is conducted much the same as any test you would write in a proctored setting in a classroom or exam hall. This means that your online assessment is subject to the Wilfrid Laurier University Exam Regulations and 12.2 Student Code of Conduct: Academic Misconduct.
- Close all programs, unless one is used to connect you to the Internet.
- Log into MyLS with a regular browser, select the course and navigate to the assessment.
- From this screen, either install LockDown Browser or launch it to take the assessment.
- If the computer already has LockDown Browser installed, simply click the “Launch LockDown Browser” button.
- If the computer does not have LockDown Browser installed, this link will enable you to install LockDown Browser to the computer.
- If prompted to close a blocked program (e.g. screen capture, instant messaging), choose Yes.
- The test will then start.
Note: Once an assessment has been started, you cannot purposely exit until the Submit button is selected. But if you do run into issues, refer to the Technical Issues During Assessment section below.
Technical Issues During Assessment
If you have technical issues during your test or exam (e.g., loss of internet connection or frozen screen), you should:
- Exit the test. Your answers are saved in real time, so they will not be lost.
- Restart your computer and log back into the test.
Preparation Tips
We've collected some tips to help you get into the mindset and prepare for your online assessment.
- Each department may have its own requirements and restrictions for examinations to observe. Make sure you seek clarification regarding specific requirements prior to your exam.
- Prepare for your online exam by reviewing the reminders, tips and support in the Prepare for Online and Take-Home Assessments resource article.
- Make sure that you have taken care of personal needs such as food, hydration, and a visit to the bathroom prior to the start of your exam.
- Consult the ICT Tech Guide for Remote Learning to compare your system to the system recommendations provided.
- Make certain to fully update all software on your computer, and check that your computer is in excellent operating condition and that you have a stable internet connection, prior to writing any test.
- If you are concerned about the strength or consistency of your internet connection, try to limit other demands on bandwidth. For example:
- If you are on a shared connection, arrange for limited use of streaming files or using applications that can slow your internet connection during the exam period.
- Close any other applications that might run in the background and might be connected to the internet.
- If you uncover any issues with technology or internet speed, email examquestions@wlu.ca for guidance and assistance.
- Students registered with the Accessible Learning Centre (ALC) requiring exam accommodations should contact the ALC well in advance of the date of the online test to address any requirements for the online tests.
- Select a quiet, private location where you are not likely to be interrupted or distracted.
- Review the section on "Materials and Aids for All Examinations" in Laurier’s Exam Regulations.
- Your instructor may permit the use of specific authorized aids (e.g., a virtual or physical scrap paper to take notes).
- If you have any questions about authorized and unauthorized materials and devices, review relevant course materials provided by your instructor or ask your instructor for clarification in advance of the exam.
- If you are unable to secure a quiet location, the university may be able to assist you. Contact the Dean of Students office to learn about safe, alternate spaces available on our campuses to complete your online exam.