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LockDown Browser Lost Internet Connection

Overview

These instructions are for what to do when the LockDown Browser lost internet connection during an exam or quiz.

Getting Started

Internet Connectivity Lost During an Exam

  • If disconnections to the internet are brief, Respondus Monitor will attempt to re-establish the connection every 5 seconds.
    • You will likely be unaware of a brief interruption.

  • If the internet (or Wi-Fi) connection is lost for an extended period of time, you will not be able to continue with the exam. We recommend taking a screenshot with your smartphone of the connection dialog box before exiting the browser. Once the LockDown Browser has been closed, please see the connection recommendations from Respondus below before retrying. If there are no additional exam attempts to retry the exam, contact your professor and include the screenshot in the email to them.

  • If you run into the issue again, there are workstations in the library with the LockDown Browser already installed that you may use to complete your exam/quiz. If a web cam is required for the test, the library also has web cams available for checkout. When using these workstations, select the link from within Brightspace to launch the browser (do not click the link to download/install the browser).
    The library's current business hours may be found here: https://www.mclennan.edu/library/

Exam Progress Lost After Loss of Internet Connection

Unfortunately, MCC Tech Support is not able to restart the exam or quiz after a disruption in connectivity, reset the attempt, or recover any information like questions already answered.

Internet Connection Recommendations

The following best practices are recommended by Respondus to help maintain a stable internet connection during your exam:

  • Use a wired connection, not wireless connection, during exams to help prevent disruptions.
  • A cellular connection is not recommended (e.g. tablet utilizing a cellular network or mobile hotspot).
  • If using a Wi-Fi connection, move as close to the router or access point as possible. Avoid networks with heavy traffic, such as libraries, bookstores and cafes.
  • Shut down all other applications on your computer other than LockDown Browser. This will help reduce the bandwidth being used by other applications running in the background.
  • If you are using a home Wi‑Fi network, disconnect other devices such as smartphones, tablets, or streaming devices that are connected to the same network to help improve connection stability.
  • Avoid repeatedly saving the answers to test questions. A request is sent to your learning platform every time the answer to a question is saved. If there are multiple requests in a short time and you don’t have a strong connection, all those requests could consume the available bandwidth, resulting in an interruption.
  • If you share a home Wi‑Fi network with others, ask them to avoid activities that use a large amount of internet bandwidth, such as streaming videos, online gaming, or downloading large files, while you are taking your exam.

Resources

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