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Setting Up a Respondus Exam with Webcam and Screen Recording in Blackboard

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for instructors on how to configure an existing Blackboard test to require Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor (webcam + screen recording). Respondus Monitor uses a students webcam to record their exam session, while LockDown Browser secures the testing environment by preventing printing, copying, or opening other applications.

Step 1: Access the Respondus LockDown Browser Dashboard

Before configuring Respondus settings, make sure your test is already created in Blackboard.

  1. In your Blackboard course, open the Control Panel under Course Management.
  2. Select Course Tools → Respondus LockDown Browser.

3. The LockDown Browser Dashboard will open, showing all tests created in your course.

Step 2: Choose the Test to Secure

  1. Locate your test on the dashboard list.
  2. Click the arrow ▼ next to the test name.
  3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

When setting up an exam in Respondus LockDown Browser, instructors can choose to require or not require Respondus Monitor. Both options secure the testing environment, but only the Require Respondus Monitor setting records students via webcam and microphone, flagging unusual activity for instructor review. Choosing Don't require Respondus Monitor still locks down the browser but does not record video or audio. Use the monitoring option for high-stakes exams, and the non-monitoring option for practice or low-stakes assessments.

Step 3: Enable Respondus Monitor (Webcam + Screen Recording)

  1. Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.
  2. (Optional) To add an extra layer of security, check Require a password to access the exam and enter a custom password.
  3. Only share this password with authorized students.
  4. Under Respondus Monitor, check Require Respondus Monitor (automated proctoring) for this exam.
  5. Select Webcam + Screen to record both webcam and screen activity while a student is taking the exam.
  6. Review the Startup Sequence options. You can choose which steps students must complete before beginning the exam:
  7. Webcam check
  8. Student photo
  9. Show ID
  10. Environment check (360 room scan)
  11. Facial detection check
  12. Adjust any additional options as desired.

When you enable LockDown Browser, Respondus automatically generates along, complex password in Blackboard’s Test Options. This password is used internally by the system to ensure students can only open the exam using the LockDown Browser —instructors and students should not use or modify it.

If you wish to set your own custom password for additional control:

  • Do this within the Respondus Dashboard under Password Settings.
  • Do not edit or delete the auto-generated password in Blackboard’sTest Optionspage, as that may break the LockDown Browser connection.

To allow the use of external websites, expand the Advanced Settings section, check Allow access to specific external web domains, and enter one or more web domains that students will need.

Step 5: Save and Confirm Settings

  1. Click Save and Close.

Your test will now display indicators showing that it requires:

  • Respondus LockDown Browser
  • Respondus Monitor (Webcam + Screen Recording)

Step 6: Review Proctoring Results

After students complete an exam that uses Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, instructors can easily review the recorded webcam sessions, screen activity, and any automatically flagged events. These recordings help instructors verify academic integrity and identify any technical or behavioral issues that occurred during the exam. Below are steps to review the proctoring results

1. Go to the Respondus Dashboard

To begin, navigate to Respondus LockDown Browser Dashboard within your course.

  • In your course, selectCourse Tools → Respondus LockDown Browser. This area lists all the exams in your course that are configured to use the LockDown Browser.
  • Locate the completed exam. Click the arrow next to the exam name, then choose “Class Results.”
  1. Open Class Results
    1. Locate the completed exam.
    2. Click the arrow next to the exam name, then choose “Class Results.”
  2. Review Recordings and Flags
    1. The results page shows each student’s name, exam duration, and Review Priority (Low, Medium, High).
    2. Click a student’s name to view the webcam recording, screen capture, and any flagged events.
  3. Interpret the Results, Flags highlight unusual activity (e.g., face not detected, multiple faces, sound detected).

Conclusion: Best Practices

To help students have a smooth testing experience, share the following best practices before their exam:

Have Students Download and Install LockDown Browser Early

  • Encourage students to download the LockDown Browser several days before their exam using official download link.
  • This will allow them time to install the software and confirm that it works properly on their device.

Have Students Test Their Webcam and Microphone

  • If the exam requires Respondus Monitor, advise students to complete a startup sequence ahead of time to test their webcam and microphone.
  • This helps ensure that their equipment functions correctly and that all necessary permissions are enabled before exam day.

Add a practice quiz to help students become familiar with Respondus Monitor

  • This helps ensure that students become familiar with Respondus Monitor for future Exams/Quizzes or Tests.

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