Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment in Blackboard courses. When students use Respondus LockDown Browser, they are unable to print, capture screen content, go to other URLs or access other applications. This prevents students from using instant messaging programs, search engines, or any other digital resource during the test. Upon startup, Respondus LockDown Browser goes directly to the institution's login page for Blackboard. Students then login by entering their blackboard username and password. Respondus LockDown Browser is similar to a standard web browser, but several features have been removed, such as the menu bar, the address field for entering URLs, the Start button in Windows, and the system tray. Only the back, forward, stop and refresh buttons are retained. The right mouse button has also been disabled along with keyboard operations such as function keys and task switching keystrokes, the source code for the web page can be viewed either once the students selects the Blackboard course, the assessment is then located and selected. If the setting for the test requires that Respondus LockDown Browser be used, and if the student is using Respondus LockDown Browser, than everything will appear as normal. However, if the student attempts to start the test using a browser other than Respondus LockDown Browser, as is now being shown, the screen will display a message indicating that the test can only be taken with Respondus LockDown Browser. Once the assessment begins, students are prevented from exiting the browser until the assessment is submitted for grading. Not only our students prevented from going to other websites or switching to other applications, they are also prevented from accessing other areas in Blackboard while taking the assessment. Test questions can include images, flash files or PDF files, just as with a standard browser. The equation editor and other exam tools can also be used as normal. If the question contains a link to another URL, it will open a new locked window that won't allow navigation beyond that initial page. So for example, if the content in the new browser window happens to include a link to a search engine. Students will be unable to access the search link from that new page. When ready, the student will submit the test for grading. It is now possible to exit the browser. All other applications that we're running prior to the start of Respondus LockDown Browser will be available at this time. To learn more about Respondus LockDown Browser, please contact your respondents representative or go to www.Respondus.com.