The university’s license of the Respondus LockDown Browser allows faculty to offer another method for secure online testing for students. This secure online testing means that students will not be able to print, copy and paste information, access another web sites unless it is part of a quiz question, or access other applications on their computers.
When an assessment is started, students are locked into it until they submit it for grading. For faculty and students who need to access a test/quiz using the LockDown Browser while using a screen reader such as JAWS, all function F keys and tab keys will be locked.
Instructions for Faculty:
Once in the test/quiz page, students using screen readers must be made aware of the following:
- All F keys (function keys) and tab keys will be locked
- If they choose to save each answer after making their choice, a dialog box will pop-up—JAWS will not read this but all they need to do is press Enter
To provide an easy method of taking the test, faculty should do the following:
- Move the test/quiz to the top of the content page so that students will not have far to arrow down OR
- Create a Course Link in the menu area of Blackboard and attach the test/quiz. This link will allow the student to go straight to the test. Advise the student of this location
- Ensure that the Respondus LockDown Browser enabled test opens in the existing window. JAWS will lose screen focus of the test if it opens in a new window
- Advise the student that the test will need the Respondus LockDown Browser. That way they know ahead of time to use the LockDown Browser to take the test
Instructions for Students:
Once in the test/quiz page, students using screen readers should be aware of the following:
- The JAWS application must be started first before opening the LockDown Browser
- If using the ZoomText application, you must start the application before opening the LockDown Browser
- The LockDown Browser toolbar only has available Forward, Refresh, Back, and Stop buttons
- The entire computer screen will be locked and cannot be minimized, or refreshed
- If the student tries to exit out of the test before completion, their access to the test will be lost and grades will not be submitted
- The address bar in the LockDown Browser will not be displayed
To read the page students will need to use:
- Arrow keys to read up, down, right, and left
- Ctrl and home will move to top of page
- Ctrl and end key will move to bottom of page
- Pressing the letter “E” will jump to the answer box
- Pressing the letter “C” will jump to any combo boxes
Features of the Respondus LockDown Browser:
- Modified Toolbar – the condensed toolbar includes only Forward, Back, Refresh and Stop functions.
- Test Mode – tests 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 will open in a new, secure window and prevent browsing beyond that page.
- Blocked Features & Applications – the Start button (Windows), system tray, and menu bars have been removed.
We encourage faculty and students who will need assistive technology support with the Respondus LockDown Browser to contact:
| Megan O’Rourke M.A., M.S., COMS Coordinator – Assistive Technology Services |
Instructional Designers Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning |
| Phone: 417-836-8813 | Phone: 417-836-3059 |
| mailto:meganorourke@missouristate.edu | mailto: instructionaldesign@missouristate.edu |
| http://www.missouristate.edu/equity/ats/ | http://www.missouristate.edu/fctl/instructionaldesign.htm |








