Amcat Lockdown Browser
A specialized web browser called Respondus LockDown Browser was developed to provide the best possible testing conditions. Students cannot print, copy, access other URLs, or install software not meant for testing while they take examinations on devices with LockDown Browser installed.
The browser will alert you if there are any open applications that need to be closed before beginning the exam if you use this Yale download link to install it before taking a quiz.
Easy to use
Students can easily use an exam thanks to Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor online proctoring software. In some courses, students are also required to use webcams and microphones with this proctoring solution so instructors can confirm whether students are actually taking an examination without cheating during tests. Once logged into their institution’s learning management system, they can access a quiz that requires them to use this program; once connected, a message will appear instructing them to launch it if it is already installed on their computer.
Students can begin taking tests after the installation. Their browser will launch the learning management system of their school and transport them directly to the login page from which they can access the quiz as usual. A warning will be displayed in the course navigation menu if an instructor has enabled question kinds that demand special consideration for testing purposes via this program.
A background-running program may interfere with your computer’s performance. If this happens, perform a hard shutdown (if you’re using a laptop, remove the batteries and power cords). Additionally, make sure any superfluous programs are closed before taking a test to minimize mistakes and distractions.
Despite being user-friendly, our software might not function perfectly on all computers. It may be affected by interference from media players like iTunes or other media managers, file-sharing software like BitTorrent, or instant messaging programs like MegaBackup and Dropbox, which could result in a crash or complete shutdown.
It’s a good idea to install the program a few days before an exam to prevent these problems. Additionally, you should turn off any programs that could access your webcam or video camera. You should also clear your browser’s cookies and cache before each use to avoid program crashes and guarantee that all settings are kept.
Customizable
Although lockdown browsers may not be the most visually pleasing software, they can give students access to a secure environment where they can take online exams without worrying about their privacy or being cheated. This software records audio and video during online testing, plays it back on the monitor for the facilitators to watch, and also logs keyboard and mouse screen activity. Additionally, this browser forbids the usage of programs or applications that might impair performance.
Installing the LockDown Browser software on any Chromebook, including student-owned laptops, is easy and simple. The LockDown Browser installation link can be accessed by students by logging into their UNG accounts; once on the Chrome Web Store, they should select “Add to Chrome” to add it as an extension; once finished, it will appear on their toolbar! Because LockDown and Monitor function best together on this Chrome version, UNG login is required.
Respondus Lockdown Browser is different from Honorlock and Proctorio in that it employs a JavaScript-based framework that is built right into the Chrome browser as opposed to relying on Google accounts for functionality. This makes it more difficult for students to get around browser limitations and access forbidden websites, but many still find ways to cheat on online tests using Respondus Lockdown’s proctoring system.
As Respondus lockdown browser requires more bandwidth than standard online browsing, instructors must make sure that their students are taking tests in a secure atmosphere by ensuring they have a strong Internet connection. Additionally, teachers should instruct students to turn off any other software or utilities that might interfere with exams, such as email accounts, social media sites, music players, and games that use up bandwidth while students are taking tests.
Respondus LockDown Browser is free to all UNG students, simple to set up, and compatible with almost all LMS platforms, including Blackboard Learn (Original and Ultra), Brightspace, Canvas Classic & New Quizzes, Quizlets, and Schoology. Students should use the most recent version of the software for best results; otherwise, utilizing outdated software could have surprising outcomes. To check for updates, select “About” and then “Check for Updates.”
Supports multiple-choice and free-response questions
A free proctoring program called Respondus Lockdown Browser can be downloaded to stop students from cheating on online tests. By limiting access to other programs and websites, barring right-click actions, function keystrokes, and source code access, it does this. Furthermore, this software, which works with desktop PCs, iPads, and Chromebooks, prevents screen sharing and multiple monitors. To provide safe online tests, Respondus Lockdown Browser can also be used in conjunction with other proctoring solutions.
However, there are problems with software. Others have complained of being locked out of their computers or unable to shut them down. Some users also claim that the program has resulted in other computer problems, such as being unable to connect to the internet. Some students have discovered ways to get around it by using multiple devices at once.
Downloading Respondus Lockdown Browser may not be a perfect answer to academic dishonesty in higher education, but it is a powerful weapon. Students are locked into the Blackboard testing environment and are not permitted to open other programs or web browsers while taking tests. They are also not permitted to do online searches or capture screenshots of test questions to print out for study or sharing.
The software must be correctly installed before taking an exam to avoid affecting other services and apps. It would be wise for test takers to install it on either their own computer at home or a computer that has been authorized by their instructor at school. Furthermore, you can make sure that everything is working as it should be by taking a practice test with your teacher.
Students should be informed that utilizing a lockdown browser can circumvent other proctoring methods, fails to identify screen sharing or multi monitor features on monitored machines, and does not validate the student’s identity. In order to maximize test validity and reduce stress, it is crucial that they use an integrated proctoring solution that combines automated and live proctoring.
Supports audio and video files
The browser enables students to listen to or see audio or video files during a non-proctored test if the exam they are taking contains them. The Respondus Monitor software will alert students if any other programs need to be closed before taking an exam; otherwise, they can click “No” to cancel opening their browser and save their work in progress. Students also have access to closing other programs from within their browser, which is an important security measure.
During an online test, this program records the voices and faces of the students to help catch cheaters. Additionally, it will track eye movements, prevent right-clicks and function keystrokes during exams, block email or instant messaging services, and prevent access to any documents or programs. All of these strategies try to prevent distractions for some students while still maintaining student focus on the subject at hand, however frustrating this may be for other students.
For instructors, Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor makes creating and using online tests straightforward. It smoothly interacts with learning management systems like Canvas, Moodle, and Schoology; iPad support may also be provided, but students must follow certain instructions in order to take a quiz. When completing online tests, it is recommended that students use wired internet connections wherever possible to avoid dropped connections or interruptions that could affect outcomes.
For an online quiz, instructors must access their course, choose the Settings button, and then choose Respondus LockDown Browser. Students should click the Yale University-specific install link below to open an installation page with instructions on how to download the LockDown Browser software for their quizzes.
Students should go into Canvas at Yale after downloading the program, then go straight to the assignment that calls for it. When using a mobile device, users who have a UB Learns account should open their browser and select “Take Quiz.