How to Create an Open-Book Exam with Respondus LockDown Browser (RLDB): for Student Notes

This guide explains how to set up a quiz in VU Collaborate that uses Respondus LockDown Browser (RLDB) while still allowing students to access their own pre‑loaded PDF notes stored in their personal Locker.

On this page:

Before you begin – Important Considerations
Step 1: Add a Locker Link to your quiz
Step 2: Enable RLDB for your quiz

Before you begin – Important Considerations

Students will:

Be able to access all their VU Collaborate spaces
Convert notes to PDF before uploading to the Locker
(via Tools > Locker)
Word documents, cannot be opened in RLDB
Benefit from taking a practice quiz.

In VU Collaborate you must:

Provide a link to the Locker inside the quiz.
Use this generic link, as it will automatically update in each space,
unlike copy/paste from the locker, which will require updating each block.
NOTE: either copy/paste the link on the text 'Locker' OR ensure the link opens in a new window!
https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/d2l/lms/locker/locker.d2l?ou={orgUnitId}
Add VU Collaborate to the allowed domains list in RLDB settings
vucollaborate.vu.edu.au

Step 1: Add a Locker Link to your quiz

1.1 Navigate to the quiz

On the main menu, select Assessments > Quizzes
Locate your quiz, open the dropdown menu next to the title, and select Edit.

1.2 Choose where to add the Locker Link

You may add the link to a Section, a Question, or the Quiz Header.

Option 1: Section

Option 1: Add the Link within a Section (Recommended)

Useful when you want the link highly visible before students begin answering questions.

Select Create New (1) > Section (2)
Enter a Section Title (3)
In the Section Text field type Locker (4), highlight it,
then choose the Add/Edit Link (5) icon.
Paste the generic Locker link
https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/d2l/lms/locker/locker.d2l?ou={orgUnitId} (6)
Select Apply.(7)
Select Save

Note: Sections appear at the bottom of the quiz. To move it to the top:

Drag and drop the section to the top, or
Select the section checkbox, then select Move To > Top of the Quiz

Option 2: Question

Option 2: Add the Link within a Question

Useful if access is needed only for specific questions.

Click the question to enter edit mode.
In the Question Text field type Locker, highlight it,
then choose the Add/Edit Link icon.
Paste the generic Locker link
https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/d2l/lms/locker/locker.d2l?ou={orgUnitId}
Select Apply.
Select Save

Option 3: Header

Option 3: Header and Footer

Adding the Locker link to the Header makes it visible at the top of every quiz page.
This option is useful if your quiz is set to display one question at a time and backtracking is prevented, ensuring students can still reach their Locker at any point.
NOTE:
Header can sometimes be overlooked when updating the quiz, so always double-check before releasing the quiz.

Expand the Timing & Display panel on the right
Select Manage Header and Footer
In the Header field, type Locker, highlight it, then choose the Add/Edit Link icon.
Paste the generic Locker link
https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/d2l/lms/locker/locker.d2l?ou={orgUnitId}
Select Apply.
Select Save

Step 2: enable RLDB for your quiz

2.1 Open the LockDown Browser Dashboard

From the main menu, go to Assessments (1) > Quizzes (2)
Select the LockDown Browser (3) tab (just below the main menu)
Allow up to 15 second for the dashboard to load
If Respondus requests permission to access your course, select Yes.
From the dropdown menu next to the quiz title, select Settings (4)

2.2 Select LockDown Browser settings

Choose Require LockDown Brower for this exam (1)
Enter a Password (for students) (2) to access the exam
Open Advanced Settings
Select Lock students into the browser until exam is completed
Enter a Password (for staff) (3) to exit the exam early
Select Allow access to specific external web domains and add:
vucollaborate.vu.edu.au (4)
Select Save + Close to apply your settings