There are two ways to include links to external websites in a test that requires LockDown Browser.

1. Link to a single webpage

Links to external webpages will always open in a second tab in LockDown Browser. There is no setting for this – the link simply needs to be embedded (or “clickable”) in the test question. The student will be able to view that page, but links to other webpages will be blocked.

For example, including a link to respondus.com/lockdown will allow access to that page, but links from that page to other pages on the Respondus website, or other websites (i.e., search engines, advertisements, etc.) will be blocked.

Be sure to configure the link to open in a new window or new tab, not in the same window.

2. Allow access to a website (multiple pages)

If the intention is to provide access to an entire website, a setting needs to be applied to allow the student to access multiple pages within that site. This is useful for resources such as an e-book, where more than one page is needed during the exam.

Here’s how to do this:

• First add the link to the website in the exam itself (usually the first question). The link cannot be in the instructions outside the active exam. 

• Configure the link to open in a new window or new tab, not in the same window.

• 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
Example of a URL: https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/resources/

During the exam, when the link is clicked on by the student, it will open in a second tab and remain open during the exam until the student closes it.

If needed, identify the full list of domains necessary by using a Chrome extension called “Domain Spotter.” Instructions can be downloaded here.

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.