There are two ways to include links to external websites in a test that requires LockDown Browser. During the exam, when the link is selected by the student, it will open in a second tab and remain open during the exam until the student closes it.
Linking to a single webpage
A link to a single webpage only needs to be added, as a selectable link, to the text of a test question. The student will be able to view that particular page, but links to other webpages will be blocked. For example, including a link to respondus.com/lockdown will allow access to that page; however, links from that page to other pages on the Respondus website or other websites (e.g., search engines, advertisements) will be blocked.
Allowing access to an entire website
A setting needs to be applied in LockDown Browser to allow students to access an entire website with multiple pages. This is useful for resources such as an e-book, where more than one page is needed during the exam.
- Add hyperlinks to the website to either a question or a non-question entry in the exam (See Fig. 1). Do not add the links to the exam instruction page.
Figure 1: Adding a hyperlink to a website in the exam question text box.
- Go to LockDown Browser Advanced Settings.
- Select the checkbox for Allow access to specific external web domains.
- Enter the domain(s) of all the websites that students will need to access. Multiple domains can be entered, separated by commas and spaces (See Fig. 2).
Note: Do not include http: or https: protocols or any parameters starting with a ? in the address.
Figure 2: Enabling access to specific external web domains
Adding a website with a login
If a login is required for a listed website, the login page also needs to be added to Allow access to specific external web domains.
Note: Only specify domains, not full URLs (web addresses)
Log in domain examples
UMsystem credentials login, such as for Sharepoint and One Drive:
Add login.microsoftonline.com
Amazon's Kindle Cloud Reader
Add read.amazon.com and amazon.com/ap/signin
Identifying the correct domain
Identifying the necessary domains for the link you are attempting to use falls outside the scope of Respondus Support. However, this process can be made easier by by using a Chrome extension called Domain Spotter. Instructions for Domain Spotter can be reviewed on page two of this help article from Respondus
Domain vs URL examples
Domain: respondus.com or www.respondus.com
URL: https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/resources/
Important Notes
- Never use the domain of Canvas or another test platform, as it will result in errors. Respondus support will not troubleshoot this issue, as it is an unsupported use of the application.
- Always test access in LockDown Browser by previewing as a student, 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.
- To view the blocked link, select the (?) on the LINK IS BLOCKED message to show the URL (See Fig. 3). The domain listed there can then be added to the Allow access to specific external web domains setting.
Figure 3: An example of a link that is blocked
- eBooks and similar resources with digital rights management that require downloading a file for viewing in an offline app (e.g., Kindle, Adobe, Kobo, OverDrive) 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 Canvas integrations. Publisher platforms (e.g., 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.