Using Respondus LockDown Browser (and a Webcam) for Online Exams (for CUHK Students)

Overview

1. Respondus LockDown Browser is a locked browser for students to use to take tests in CUHK Blackboard System. It prevents students from printing, copying, going to another websites, or accessing other applications during a test. It can also prevent students from closing a test before submitting it for grading. If a Blackboard test requires that LockDown Browser be used, students cannot take the test with a standard web browser.
2. Taking a test that requires students to use Lockdown Browser (and a webcam) on Blackboard is easy.

The Steps

1. Preparation for the first time
   • Watch the Overview Video for Students
   • Read the Student Quick Start Guide
   • Download and install the "Student Version" of LockDown Browser for The Chinese University of Hong Kong
   • Install a webcam
   • Use the setup to take a practice test/exam to confirm the setup is ready
2. Taking a test/exam which requires the use of the Lockdown Browser and a webcam
   • Close all running programs/applications
   • Launch Lockdown browser
     • Visit CUHK Blackboard System https://blackboard.cuhk.edu.hk
     • Enter the Blackbaord course
     • Locate the test/exam
     • Click Begin to take the test/exam
       • Follow the Startup Sequence to ensure the video recording is working
       • The test/exam will begin after you have completed the Startup Sequence
   • Complete and Submit the test/exam

More information

1. Self Practice:
   • In addition to joining the Practice Test/Exam set up by the course teacher / TA, students may follow this user guide to try taking some dummy tests set up by ITSC to test their computer, equipment and internet connection themselves.
2. Additional Resources
   • A Troubleshooting Guide shared by the Faculty of Medicine
3. Additional FAQs
   • "We are experiencing a high number of users starting exams at the same time. Your webcam check will begin ??? seconds…"
     • Respondus Support: Due to high volume, we are now staggering when students can enter the Monitor pre-exam webcam check. This is not an error, and once the timer reaches zero the webcam check will begin. The maximum is 300 seconds.
   • "There is a problem with the LockDown Browser settings for this exam"
     • https://support.respondus.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409607304219--There-is-a-problem-with-the-LockDown-Browser-settings-for-this-exam-
   • "01-AWS-xxx Unable to connect to Respondus Server (AWS)"
     • https://support.respondus.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409607363611-0x-AWS-xxx-Unable-to-connect-to-Respondus-Server-AWS-
     • Students in ML China should consider applying for the CUHK VPN Add-On Service if they have difficulites accessing non-China hosted systems such as Respondus.
4. More
   • https://support.respondus.com/hc/en-us/categories/4409595254811-LockDown-Browser-Respondus-Monitor
5. Questions? 
   • elearning@cuhk.edu.hk