Lockdown Web Browser

Browser lockdown limits access to specific websites on devices used for different tasks and helps increase productivity by blocking distracting sites like social media, gaming platforms and time-wasting apps.

Browser lockdown cannot prevent other forms of cheating such as using screen sharing or multiple monitors; thus, it’s essential to combine it with other proctoring technologies for maximum effect.

Security

Lockdown browser exams provide students with a secure environment in which they cannot use other programs or the internet during an exam, preventing any possible attempts at cheating, looking up answers during quizzes, or any other distractions which might detract from their test score.

Lockdown browsers also prevent students from downloading other applications that could be used for cheating or distracting purposes, such as screen capture programs and instant messaging programs that could be used illegally during exams, in addition to standard functions like copy/paste/right click/print.

While browser-based testing can help protect against students cheating by using other means such as having someone present with another device or paper cheat sheets, so its use should always take place in an official testing center with human proctor oversight of all processes involved.

Students often dislike using browser-based tests because it restricts their computer and can cause anxiety for those who struggle focusing. Instructors should remind their students that browser-based assessments exist solely to facilitate fair assessments rather than as an obstacle for learning.

With more students taking online exams and assessments, the need for secure tools like the lockdown browser will only grow. It offers an effective solution to keep students focused during assessments while simultaneously decreasing technical issues that can disrupt test taking and providing a uniform experience across campus.

Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor can be found online. Faculty can include links to it in student-facing materials for their courses and import it with Canvas Commons via the Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor Module, or add it as part of quiz instructions, direct students to Online Testing Support Pages, or offer practice quizzes that students can download themselves.

Accessibility

Students enrolled in online courses that require Respondus lockdown browser software must ensure their computers meet its requirements. While this tool does not make exams or quizzes accessible online, it helps prevent student cheating by restricting desktop features, web searches and applications which might facilitate academic dishonesty. Students can find help and support with using Respondus from their school website and teachers can set up practice assessments with LockDown Browser and Monitor settings active to give a sense of what will occur during an actual examination.

Lockdown Browser requires little more than an internet connection and web camera for optimal use, but basic PCs running Windows or Mac OS X should suffice; its software works on laptops, tablets and even mobile devices. Keep in mind, however, that Lockdown Browser only secures the browser – not the device itself – meaning students still have access to file manager functions such as moving or deleting files as well as creating folders; additionally they could connect Skype for screen sharing during online tests or use the screen-sharing feature during tests.

Respondus software can be used with most screen reader accessibility programs, though not all are compatible with it. For instance, its Windows version works with NVDA and JAWS but not with Zoom Text (screen magnification). Students should contact their school disability services in order to learn which assistive technology programs work with Respondus.

Respondus software licensed by UNG can be downloaded from Blackboard’s Student Resources tab or found at your college website or university technology resource portal. Before taking an exam requiring Respondus use, students should always take at least a sample test or two in order to become comfortable with how it functions and become acquainted with its system and functions.

While the software cannot prevent students from opening multiple applications or using keyboard shortcuts on their computers, or accessing keyboard shortcuts, it will prevent them from deleting their browser history, changing passwords or resetting screen resolution. Furthermore, it won’t permit students to close or restart their computers during an online exam session – making the tool as user-friendly as possible and offering options such as emailing their proctor with any questions about its system or live chatting with one.

Convenience

Lockdown Browser may not be the most exciting software around, but it does allow students to take online assessments without leaving their learning management system. Students cannot print, visit other URLs or launch other applications during an assessment, while it also has an integrated webcam feature which records test sessions. A separate application called Respondus Monitor helps instructors review these videos to detect possible proctoring violations.

Its convenience and user-friendliness make the program an attractive option for remote students taking high-stakes exams remotely, but it cannot prevent cheating that involves paper notes, other devices or consulting someone in the room. Furthermore, this program may be bypassed simply by switching browsers or installing screen sharing or multiple monitor programs.

Additionally, Brightspace may cause issues on a student’s computer when used over a wireless network. Therefore, students taking online tests via Ethernet (wired) connection rather than wireless or USB modem is advised; this will reduce the chances of dropped or interrupted connections during test sessions and further protect student’s devices.

Faculty should carefully consider these issues when making their decisions about requiring Lockdown Browser or Monitor technology in their courses. Informed students of these technologies’ use should also be made aware that test taking sessions are being recorded; adding this information into a syllabus or learning module could make sure everyone involved understands all possible risks involved with testing with them.

As the use of this software increases, many are concerned about data breaches, lawsuits and more. Not only are concerns being expressed regarding privacy concerns; effects also include effects on students’ mental health as well as growing dependence on virtual classrooms. As a result, many are calling for face-to-face proctoring of high stakes testing situations; until then relying on this sort of software will continue to be necessary – hopefully future versions will take both students and proctors needs into consideration.

Privacy

Contrary to many mobile device lockdown apps, the browser-based version of this software doesn’t require students to create accounts or provide any personal details; rather, it collects data about operating system and hardware specifications on students’ computers in order to detect potential issues that could hinder exam taking experience.

While student privacy is of course essential, having all of the tools needed for taking an effective exam or test is equally so. That is why browser lockdown software is such an invaluable asset to both schools and students; this technology ensures students only use the internet for academic purposes without accessing websites that could cause cheating in an exam online.

As well as using a browser-specific lockdown program, certain browser lockdown programs provide additional features that can protect students’ privacy during an exam. For example, they may encrypt internet traffic, which prevents hackers from spying on student’s browsing histories or intercepting their connections. Furthermore, some programs disable features like printing or right-click functionality which make cheating harder than ever during exams.

Students should keep in mind that browser lockdown apps may not provide complete protection; some have been known to contain bugs which can lead to security concerns and even crash the computer entirely. As such, when taking exams they should always update to the latest version and ensure they have a stable high-speed internet connection (preferably wired).

Students should keep in mind that while browser lockdown software may provide an effective means of proctoring exams remotely, it should not be seen as the ultimate proctoring solution. Instead, students should always have a backup proctoring option such as a trusted friend or family member watching over their screen during an exam to avoid technical difficulties that can cause students to miss important exam times or fail their course altogether.