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Brightspace Help

This guide will help you use Brightspace for your courses at Red Deer Polytechnic.
   

What is LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor?

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the exam environment within Brightspace. When LockDown Browser is used during an online exam, you are unable to go to other URLs, switch applications, take screenshots, copy questions or print. 

Respondus Monitor is a companion application for LockDown Browser that uses a webcam to prevent cheating during online exams.

If a Brightspace test requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor, you will not be able to take the test using a standard web browser.

Installing Lockdown Browser

Install LockDown Browser

Check system requirements to ensure your device is supported:

  • PC or Mac: Install using link below  
  • Chromebook: Do not download directly from the Chrome Store; install using link below, see Instructions
  • iPad: Install from Apple App Store, see Instructions

Download and Install LockDown Browser

Update LockDown Browser

Follow these steps to update LockDown Browser:

  1. Open Respondus LockDown Browser
  2. From the toolbar, select the "i" icon (Windows) or About (Mac)
  3. Select Check for Newer Version
  4. Follow the instructions to download

Tips

Be sure to use the Download and install link; you will NOT be asked to select an institution or log in with any RDP credentials during installation.
Windows 10/11 "S mode" is not compatible. Before installing LockDown browser, turn off "S mode." 
To check if a PC is using S mode, go to Settings > System > About > Windows Specifications and look for "S mode" beside Edition. Note that once you switch out of S mode, you will not be able to switch back.

Using Lockdown Browser

How do I use LockDown Browser?

Navigate to your Quiz in Brightspace using your usual browser (Chrome, Safari, etc).

When you click on your Quiz, instead of the Start Quiz button, you will see 2 options (see image below):

  1. Download and install the latest version of LockDown Browser - Use this link if LockDown Browser is NOT already installed on your device (this also applies to Chromebooks; DO NOT install from Chrome Web Store)
  2. Launch LockDown Browser - If LockDown Browser is already installed on your device, click on this button to launch the LockDown Browser, allowing you to take the Quiz.

Tips

When on campus, you must log into eduroam wireless network or Respondus Monitor will not work. 
Update to the latest Lockdown Browser application by opening the application prior to taking the test. 
If you have questions about using LockDown Browser for your course, contact your instructor. 
LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

Using Respondus Monitor

What is Respondus Monitor and how do I use it?

Respondus Monitor is a companion application for LockDown Browser that uses a webcam to prevent cheating during online exams. Some courses require the use of both LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. 

To use Respondus Monitor, you will need either:

  • a webcam built into your computer OR
  • a webcam that plugs in with a USB cable

Contact your instructor if you have questions about using Respondus Monitor for a particular course.

Respondus Monitor Help

If you are experiencing issues after successfully logging into the RDP Brightspace website using LockDown browser, click on the "Help" button and then click "run a webcam check"
If you are still experiencing issues, get support directly from the Respondus Lockdown Support site:

Using LockDown Browser on a Chromebook

Install LockDown Browser on a Chromebook

On a Chromebook, LockDown Browser can be installed as an extension using these steps in this order:

  1. Login to your Chromebook
  2. Open the Chrome browser
  3. Click on this URL: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=732446231, which will redirect to the Chrome web store
  4. Add the LockDown Browser extension

Important: Do not search the Chrome web store directly or use other links, as they will not show the extension correctly, and you will not be able to correctly log in to Blackboard to access your exam.

Use LockDown Browser on a Chromebook

Once the Lockdown Browser extension has been correctly installed, use these steps to access and take your exam:

  1. Login to your Chromebook
  2. Login to Brightspace
  3. Access the exam which requires LockDown Browser

Using Lockdown Browser on an iPad

Can I use LockDown Browser on an iPad?

You may be able to use an iPad to take an exam that requires LockDown Browser. 

Note: This option is not available for every exam; your instructor must enable the use of an iPad for the exam through course settings.

Follow these steps to use your iPad to take an exam using LockDown Browser:

  1. Install the free LockDown Browser app from Apple's App Store for iPad (requires iOS 12 or later)
  2. Launch the LockDown Browser app. The first time you open the app, you'll be prompted to select your institution. You will then be directed to the Brightspace login page
  3. Login with your RDP email and password
  4. Navigate to your course and open the Quiz to begin your exam

If a student is using an iPad and is unable to get into the exam specifically using Respondus Monitor (webcam), make sure that this option enabled in the LockDown Browser settings.