Lockdown Browser- Configuring Exams to Access External Websites

Instructions to configure an exam with Lockdown Browser to allow access to external websites.

Introduction

Respondus LockDown Browser restricts student access during online exams, but some exams require access to external websites. This article explains how instructors can securely configure those settings. 

Steps to Allow Access to Websites or Domains

1. Log into Canvas & from the Dashboard, open the course where you want to use LockDown Browser.
2. Click Settings in the Course Navigation menu. 
3. Click the Navigation tab. 
4. Drag the LockDown Browser box into the top section of the Navigation and click Save at the bottom of the page. 
5. Click the LockDown Browser course link and you will see a list of all the exams/quizzes that can use LockDown Browser.
6. Use the down arrow at each quiz/exam listed to open LockDown Browser Settings and click the appropriate radio button to enable or disable the LockDown Browser requirement for that specfic quiz/exam. 
7. Click Advanced Settings

To enable access to external websites: 

• In the LockDown Browser Advanced Settings under "Allow access to specific external web domains", enter the domain(s) of all the websites that the student will need to access. Multiple domains can be entered, separated by commas. Do not include the "http:" or "https:" protocols or any parameters staring at a "?" in the address. 
   
  • For example, to access Amazon's Kindle Cloud Reader, which requires a log in, enter "read.amazon.com" along with "www.amazon.com/ap/signin" (separated by a comma) into the "Allow access to specific external web domains" setting.  
     
• Only specify domains, not full URLs (web addresses)
  • Example of a domain: respondus.com or www.respondus.com

Click Save + Close at each quiz/exam settings.

 

Steps to Enable Access to a Single Webpage: 

1. Open the Canvas course and select the quiz where you'll be using Lockdown Browser
2. Add the link to the website in the first question of the quiz itself. The link cannot be in the quiz instructions. 
3. 
4. Configure the link to open in a new window or new tab, not in the same window.
5. When you're finished editing the quiz, click Save. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Never use the domain of the LMS or another test platform. Linking from the exam in one LMS to another test platform/LMS will result in errors. Respondus Support will not troubleshoot as this is an unsupported use of the application.

• Always test this in LockDown Browser, using a student account/login, to ensure all links work properly and all necessary domains are allowed. If a "Link is Blocked" message appears, additional domains may need to be added. 
   

• If a link does not work, click on the (?) next to the LINK IS BLOCKED message show the URL for the blocked link. The domain listed there can be added to the "Allow access to specific external web domains" setting.
• 

• eBooks and similar resources with digital rights management that require downloading a file for viewing in an offline app (examples: Kindle, Adobe, Kobo, OverDrive, etc.) are not supported. The student will need to locate a supported alternate device or obtain a paper-based version of the resource.
• The option to allow specific external web domains is only available for the standard LMS integrations. Publisher platforms (ex. McGraw-Hill ALEKS, Pearson MyLab) that use the OEM Edition of LockDown Browser may not support this feature in their platform. 
• In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain a student account (login) for the eBook to be able to correctly identify and allow all necessary domains. Please reach out to the publisher to obtain a sample login. 
  • NOTE: VitalSource does not allow logging in via Lockdown Browser settings.

Additional Information

Respondus Support- Instructor FAQ- Accessing external web domains in LockDown Browser

If you have any additional questions, please contact Instructional Tools Support at 812-237-7000 or by email at ISU-Canvas-Support@indstate.edu