Online Testing and Respondus

How does online testing work?

The instructor determines how tests are administered.  Be sure to read and understand the testing requirements for each online class.

If you have problems with accessing a test or getting locked out of an online test, contact your instructor immediately. The IVCC Student Help Desk staff may or may not be able to resolve issues related to online testing, however the Student Help Desk staff cannot reset a test attempt for a student.

Plan Ahead

  • Be sure you know the date and time of your test; how much time you have to complete the test; if notes, the use of a calculator, or other materials are permitted while taking the test; and what hardware and software are needed to take the test. Check with your instructor if you have questions.
  • You should have a laptop or computer available. Depending on the type of test, a smartphone or iPad/tablet may not be supported, so have a laptop or computer available.
  • Use a wired or strong wireless connection to the internet.  The use of a hotspot to take online tests is not recommended. 
  • Make sure you have a quiet place to test. 
  • Stop all other internet services (Netflix, Zoom, Hulu, etc.) which may take up bandwidth.
  • You may be required to use Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) with a webcam and a microphone to prevent cheating. Download and install Respondus in advance of your test--do not wait until the last minute! (See more information below). 
  • If you need access to a computer with Respondus LockDown Browser installed,  visit the Academic Support Center. See Campus Technology for more information.  

What is Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor?

  • Respondus Monitor is the webcam feature that records your testing session. Your computer must have a functioning webcam and microphone. A broadband connection is also required. 
  • Learn more by reading LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor's Student Quick Start Guide.

How do I Install LockDown Browser?

Respondus LockDown Browser can be installed on a Chromebook, laptop, or desktop computer. Visit What are the computer requirements for installations of LockDown Browser? for details. You must be an administrator of the computer to install Respondus. If you are not using your own computer you may not be able to download the required software.

  1. Go to Download Respondus LockDown Browser.
  2. Click Install Now and follow the prompts.

You can also install LockDown Browser after you open the quiz/test in Brightspace. You will see a link on the quiz summary page to Download LockDown Browser.

How do I run a system check before taking a test?

Open the quiz, launch LockDown Browser, and select Help Center? on the toolbar. The Respondus Monitor Help Center contains three areas:

  • Pre-exam Webcam Check – Enables a student to check their webcam functionality, prior to an exam.
  • System & Network Check – Runs a series of diagnostic checks to make sure the student's computer is functioning properly and meets the minimum requirements. The results of the system check can be emailed to a help desk for further troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge Base – This student-centric knowledge base provides answers to the top questions or issues that relate to using LockDown Browser and a webcam (ie. Respondus Monitor).

ALEKS and Pearson LockDown Browser

If you are taking math courses, you may be required to download the ALEKS or Pearson version of LockDown Browser. Check with your instructor for which version you need. Please note that ALEKS and Pearson versions of Respondus LockDown Browser are NOT supported on a Chromebook.

  • For ALEKS, visit ALEKS LockDown Browser Requirements and select the download link according to your operating system. Or, you can install when beginning a test, navigate to the test in your browser. When you are about to start the test, hit Open LockDown Browser.
  • For Pearson, navigate to the test. There should be a download link provided for you in the test. 

Proctorio Lockdown Browser

If you are taking accounting courses, you may be required to download the Proctorio LockDown Browser extension. Check with your instructor for which version you need. Please note that Proctorio is ONLY supported on GoogleChrome or Microsoft Edge.

  • For Proctorio, visit Proctorio Extension and select 'Click here to install the Extension'. Next, navigate to your exam and begin.

Troubleshooting

  • If you experience any technical issues, such as the test closing before you are finished or your internet connection fails, report the problem(s) immediately to your instructor.
  • If you need technical assistance, contact the Student Help Desk, submit a ticket, 815-224-0318, or A-201 in the Academic Support Center on the Oglesby Campus.