LockDown Browser is a custom browser that enhances the security of online assessments in Moodle. When students use LockDown Browser to access an exam, they cannot print, copy, go to another URL, access other applications, or exit an exam until it is submitted for grading.

They also cannot access exams configured for use with LockDown Browser using a standard browser.

LockDown Browser functions like a standard browser, but some options have been removed or work differently. The following list highlights some of these differences.

• Modified toolbar: the condensed toolbar includes only the Forward, Back, Refresh, and Stop functions.
• Test mode: exams are displayed full screen and cannot be minimized, resized, or exited until submitted for grading.
• Disabled controls: all print combinations, keystrokes, screenshot capture, function keys, and context menus are disabled.
• Links: links to other web servers will open in a new secure window and prevent navigation beyond that page.
• Blocked features and applications: the Start button (Windows), system tray, and menu bars have been removed. Hundreds of screenshot, messaging, screen sharing, and network monitoring applications are blocked.

Setting Up LDB for an Exam

Some institutions, in addition to LockDown, license Respondus Monitor, a webcam feature for LockDown Browser that records students during unsupervised online exams. When this feature is enabled for an exam, students must use a webcam and microphone with LockDown. Once the exam is completed, the instructor can review the assessment details, including the recorded videos.

To set up an exam in Moodle that requires students to use LockDown Browser, follow these steps:

1. Open the Respondus LockDown Browser panel. A list of exams in the course will be displayed.
   • Exams labeled as "Required" require students to use LockDown Browser.
   • Exams labeled as "Not Required" do not require students to use LockDown Browser.
2. Select Settings from the context menu to the left of the exam title and choose the desired option.
3. Several advanced settings are available:
   • The first setting will prevent students from leaving the browser until the exam is completed. This is sometimes used in tests where a proctor can enter a password to exit an exam early.
   • The second setting will allow students to take the exam with an iPad, using the free LockDown Browser app.
   • The third setting will allow students to access specific URLs during the exam in a browser tab.
   • The fourth provides students with a calculator or print function in the LockDown browser toolbar.
   • For additional information, select the [explain] link following each setting.
4. Click Save and Close to apply the settings.

Enabling Monitor for Video Recording

If your institution licenses Respondus Monitor (the webcam feature for LockDown Browser), an additional setting will appear in the LockDown Browser panel.

First, configure the exam to require the use of LockDown Browser.

Next, there are several options available for Respondus Monitor. To require all students to use a webcam during the exam, select Require Respondus Monitor for this exam.

To give students the option to take the exam with a webcam or in a supervised testing lab, select Respondus Monitor or A supervised lab may be used to take this exam. A password will then be required to access the exam (for use in process settings).

Now select the items to be included in the startup sequence, which includes the steps a student must complete before starting an exam. Most settings are optional and can be reordered by dragging and dropping them into the desired order.

Enabling Monitor for Live Proctoring Only

When using LockDown Browser with Instructor Live Proctoring, the instructor remotely observes students during an online exam. This feature requires the use of a videoconferencing system like Zoom or MS Teams (which the institution must license separately) and is designed for small classes where the instructor can see all students on the screen at once.

Both the instructor and students meet in the videoconferencing application at a specific time. When everything is ready, students are given a start code for the online exam: students launch LockDown Browser from there. The instructor can view students through the videoconferencing system for the duration of the exam.

Note that Instructor Live Proctoring DOES NOT record student video or alert the instructor to suspicious events. These features are only available with Respondus Monitor, the automated proctoring solution.

Live Proctoring

1. Provide students with instructions to download and install LockDown Browser. Instructors can find these instructions on the opening screen of the LockDown Browser Control Panel. Note that download instructions vary by institution.
2. Inform students in advance that LockDown Browser and a videoconferencing system will be used with online exams. Important: Schedule a practice exam so everything can be tested before a real exam.
3. Once the exam is created, locate the LockDown Browser panel in your LMS, select Require LockDown Browser for this exam, select Allow live proctoring for this exam ... and provide a Start Code, which will prevent students from starting the exam early.
4. Use the normal process to create a meeting for the videoconferencing system (Zoom, Teams, etc.). Distribute the meeting information to students before the exam.
5. At the scheduled time, confirm that you can see and hear all students in the videoconferencing system. When ready, provide the start code to students to begin the exam.
6. Remind students that the videoconference will continue running in the background, allowing you to see and hear them during the exam. However, they will NOT be able to access the videoconferencing system during the exam.

Note: An iPad does not allow running a video conferencing app and LockDown Browser at the same time. Consider these alternatives:

• Have the student use a completely different device (Windows, Mac, Chromebook)
• Have the student use a second device for videoconferencing
• Allow the student to disable the videoconferencing system on the iPad when it is time to start the exam