Why We Use Respondus Lockdown Browser

What It Is

Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB) is an application for Windows or Macintosh computers that serves as its own standalone web browser – much like web browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. However, LDB does a few things that are unique:

• It only connects to Drexel’s Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS). Students cannot get to other websites unless specific links are provided within an exam.
• It prevents students from running other applications, switching applications, accessing files stored on the computer or files in the cloud.
• It also prevents students from using messaging apps or system notifications during the exam. In fact, it may require students to close out certain programs when Lockdown Browser launches – programs like messaging apps or other apps that could be used to collaborate or access other content during an exam.
• It will not allow students to take an exam in a virtualized environment – for example, a Virtual Machine (VM) or a remote session to another computer.
• If a student has multiple displays, it will disable all but the primary display and prevent the student from dragging windows between displays.
• When Respondus Monitor is enabled, it can optionally record the screen, the video from a webcam, and the audio from a microphone. Each specific exam can be configured to use some or all of these recording features.

Why We Use It

There are several reasons why Lockdown Browser is used for exams, including:

• Accreditation – Regional and professional accreditation bodies require that colleges be able to: a) verify that the person sitting for an exam is the same person getting the degree from Drexel, and b) ensure that the rigor and test constraints for online exams are equal to the rigor and constraints for courses with in-person exams. Respondus LDB addresses both of these aspects with the option to record video from a student’s webcam and the ability to limit what resources students can use during an exam.
• Privacy-minded – Drexel values students’ privacy. Only instructors, TAs, or approved staff that have instructor- or TA-level access to a course in Blackboard (aka Drexel Learn) can watch the student video. Employees of Respondus do not have access unless it is granted to them by Drexel’s LMS Administrators.
• Accessibility & Fairness – Respondus performs accessibility audits about every six months to ensure that its product works with accommodation software/hardware such as screen readers. Also, one feature of the webcam recording is facial recognition. Respondus LDB is tested periodically for fairness of its facial recognition across skin tones, hair styles, etc.
• Supplemental Resources – Respondus LDB has the ability to permit access to supplemental materials during an exam. Examples could include an online textbook, course lecture slides and handouts, information on a specific external website, an on-screen calculator, and an Excel-style spreadsheet tool for completing calculations. This versatility allows instructors to give access to additional information and resources while still ensuring test integrity.
• Standalone App – Respondus LDB is not a simply a plug-in for an existing web browser. Browser plug-ins often have access to sensitive and private user data such as website browsing history, bookmarks, saved passwords, etc. As a standalone app, LDB does not have access to anything in the student’s primary web browser.
• No “Live” Proctor – When webcam recording is enabled for an exam using Respondus, it is a “record and analyze” approach. Other exam-proctoring systems use a live person who is constantly watching one or more students who are taking exams. Feedback from our students indicated that they were much less comfortable with a live person watching them during a test. For this reason, we’ve adopted Respondus Monitor’s platform which reviews a student’s video algorithmically, flagging potential issues for the instructor to review later, and does not use live proctors. Also, because live proctors are not used, students do not need to schedule their exam in advance with the live proctoring service, giving them more flexibility on when to take their exam.
• No additional Cost – Because Respondus is part of Drexel’s suite of technology offerings, there is no additional cost to students.

Given the need for ensuring test integrity and verifying test-taker identity, LeBow College of Business uses Respondus Lockdown Browser (over other available platforms) because it offers strong protections for student privacy while promoting academic honesty.

To learn more about what information Respondus LDB collects, visit their privacy policy at: http://respondus.com/privacy.