If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the integration between Respondus LockDown Browser and the Blackboard Learning System - Enterprise Edition, then a fresh look is in order. Three significant enhancements make the integration even more seamless -- and powerful -- than before.
1) Easier Setup for Instructors
This past year, we released the “Building Block for Respondus LockDown Browser” (for Blackboard Learning System 6.3 and higher) that makes setup of assessments for LockDown Browser even easier than before. Instead of having to use Respondus 3.5 to set up an assessment for LockDown Browser, instructors can enable the required setting from within Blackboard itself. Once the Building Block has been installed by the Blackboard administrator, instructors only have to follow these three simple steps:
- In the Control Panel, go to Course Tools and click on “Respondus LockDown Browser”
- Locate the test and click “Modify Settings”
- Select “Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this test”
That’s it! The test is now enabled for Respondus LockDown Browser. View the complete sequence of screenshots for this process at http://www.respondus.com/products/LDB_b2.shtml
2) Clearer Instructions for Students
Beginning with the Blackboard Learning System 8.0.3 (Basic or Enterprise), students who attempt to use a regular browser to start an assessment that’s been enabled for Respondus LockDown Browser will get a clear message explaining the problem. Prior to this, users were prevented from starting the test because they couldn’t get beyond a password screen -- but it was unclear what they should do next.
Here’s what students will see now:
As you can see, the onscreen text clearly indicates that Respondus LockDown browser needs to be used to access the protected assessment.
3) Assessment Results Are Also Protected
Beginning with the Blackboard Learning System 8.0.3 (Basic or Enterprise), if an assessment requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser, students must also use LockDown Browser to review the results of the assessment. Previously, instructors had to restrict access to results from within Blackboard since they could be viewed with a standard browser, enabling students to print, copy, or email questions and feedback. Now, students must use LockDown Browser to view the results, preventing them from saving, copying or sharing answers and feedback on corrected assessments.
Here’s what students will see now:
The Building Block for Respondus LockDown Browser is available free to institutions with a Respondus LockDown Browser license from the administrator area of the Respondus website. The second and third features mentioned above are included with all versions of the Blackboard Learning System, Version 8.0.3 or higher. If you haven't tried Respondus LockDown Browser, contact your Respondus account representative to sign up for a free 2-month pilot license. Or, email us at sales@respondus.com.
Related Articles:
Blackboard Building Block for Respondus LockDown Browser
Do Your Students Use Wikipedia & Google During Tests?
Source: Respondus, Inc. (www.respondus.com)
Originally Published: November 19, 2008
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