What is the Respondus LockDown Browser?

Respondus LockDown Browser is a customized browser that increases the security of online testing in eLearning. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser to access a quiz, they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, access other applications, or close a quiz until it is submitted for grading.

Respondus LockDown Browser works much like a standard browser, but some options have been removed or work differently. This list below details some of these differences:

• Modified Toolbar - the condensed toolbar includes only Forward, Back, Refresh and Stop functions.
• Assessment Mode - assessments are shown full-screen and cannot be minimized, resized, or exited until submitted for grading.
• Disabled Controls - all printing, keystroke combinations, screen grab, function keys, and right-click menus have been disabled.
• Links - links to other web servers do not compromise the secure testing environment.
• Blocked Features & Applications - the Start button (Windows), system tray, and menu bars have been removed. Hundreds of screen capture, messaging, screen-sharing and network monitoring applications are blocked.

To see more information on the Respondus LockDown Browser and how to use it, select this link.

FOR YOUR STUDENTS: Here is an excellent tutorial for downloading and using the Respondus LockDown Browser.

• You may send this tutorial to your students in an email with the following link: http://uwf.edu/atc/assessment/use_resp/using_respondus.htm

The Respondus LockDown Browser, should you use it?

Absolutely!

It's very easy (just a single mouse-click); so, use it often.

Five Little-Known Reasons to Use Respondus LockDown Browser (from the Respondus website):

1. Forced Completion of Assessments:
   1. Instructors frequently complain that students accidentally (or intentionally) close their browser during an online assessment, requiring it to be reset.
   2. If students are required to use Respondus LockDown Browser, it cannot be closed until the assessment has been submitted for grading.
      
      
2. Unlimited Installations:
   1. Each institution (and department and instructor) seems to have a different method for using Respondus LockDown Browser.
   2. Our "Campus-wide License" allows unlimited installations of Respondus LockDown Browser, including to students' computers located off campus.
   3. No tracking, no limits, no headaches.
      
      
3. A Level Playing Field for Students:
   1. Did you know that students are some of the biggest fans of Respondus LockDown Browser?
      1. Most students don’t cheat, and it drives them crazy when their classmates do.
   2. Respondus LockDown Browser 'levels the playing field' during online assessments by preventing all students from Googling for answers, opening other applications, or going to other URLs during an online assessment.
      
      
4. Fewer Glitches During and After Assessments:
   1. Respondus LockDown Browser is a streamlined browser that's free of toolbar add-ons and gadgets.
      1. This provides a more stable environment for taking online assessments.
   2. And, after a student is finished with Respondus LockDown Browser, all programs and settings are in the same state as before starting the browser.
      
      
5. Hacker Tested, Market Approved:
   1. Hundreds of universities and schools around the world use Respondus LockDown Browser.
   2. It seems that at least one person (or team) at each institution makes it a quest to "break out" or beat the system.
   3. Some of the best minds have taken our software to task over the years, and we've addressed each issue that's been raised.
      1. Yes, you have our blessing; go ahead and see if you can break it.

(http://www.respondus.com/update/2009-1-b.shtml)