Exam Lockdown Browser
NC State students have expressed concern over being required to install Respondus lockdown programs prior to exams during the coronavirus pandemic, which restrict student use of desktop features, web search or apps that could facilitate academic dishonesty. These programs prohibit accessing certain desktop features or engaging in activities which might promote academic dishonesty such as desktop features or web searches or apps which might encourage academic dishonesty.
These programs can be costly and disruptive to students’ memory resources, causing stress by leading them to worry that they could be accused of cheating mistakenly.
It prevents students from cheating
As online testing becomes more prevalent, concerns over cheating have grown increasingly urgent. One strategy to help combat student cheating during exams is the use of lockdown browsers – they temporarily override certain functions like web browser tabs, keyboard shortcuts, screen capture software and desktop applications, as well as record/stream video footage of students so instructors can verify examinee identity while monitoring them during an assessment session. Such tools can also be utilized remotely.
Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser developed specifically to secure Blackboard test environments and prevent students from printing, copying, accessing other URLs or opening applications while taking an exam. When combined with Respondus Monitor it ensures unproctored online exams remain in their integrity while permitting instructors to watch and record assessment sessions remotely from both Windows and Mac computers.
Respondus provides an integrated proctoring solution, combining video, audio and facial recognition technology for face-to-face or remote proctoring and is simple to use. The tool verifies both student and instructor identities while recording exam sessions and providing immediate summaries of results which can then be analyzed to detect patterns of cheating.
There are various methods of cheating during an online exam, but it’s possible to avoid being caught. Knowing how to use a lockdown browser before beginning is critical as this will prevent you from looking up information or accessing websites during your exam. Furthermore, having an uninterrupted Internet connection such as Ethernet is ideal; wireless and mobile hotspot connections often experience interruptions that make staying on task more challenging and ultimately hinder completion.
Before an exam or assessment, students should review the LockDown Browser quick start guide in Brightspace in order to fully comprehend how it works and what to expect during an assessment or quiz. Instructors might include a link to this document in their course Syllabus Statements so as to encourage their students to review recommended policies on technical issues and test-taking strategies.
It is easy to use
Lockdown software prevents cheating by restricting examinee access to other browser tabs, desktop applications and keyboard shortcuts as well as audio captures and video records of testing sessions. It can be used on desktop, laptop and tablet computers alike – however it does not prevent other forms of cheating such as having someone present or paper cheat sheets; thus it is only useful when used remotely with solutions like ProctorEdu or similar remote proctoring solutions.
Instructors should ensure the best student experience by requiring students to take a short practice quiz using Respondus LockDown Browser prior to any graded assessment that requires its use. This will familiarize them with its operation, and ensure it has been installed properly.
When students attempt to access assessments designed for use with Respondus LockDown browser in another browser, the assessment website detects it and refuses to load. This feature can be particularly beneficial in BYOD environments where students may use their own personal device for taking assessments.
Recently, SEB underwent several significant upgrades. For instance, its integrated browser now provides an improved URL filter, allowing institutions to enable or disallow specific websites, web apps, documents, or files based on institution-wide criteria. Furthermore, Platinum members can customize SEB software according to their brand image.
Mac users will appreciate SEB 2.1’s integration of standard Mac OS menu bar and toolbar into their browser window, which can be configured as desired to display them if desired. Access to “About SEB”, Quit, Refresh and other functions is now easier and intuitive while the SEB 2.1 version now identifies itself in user agent and includes several bug fixes.
One new feature available in SEB 2.1 version is the ability to mute Voice Control for the duration of an exam, and even completely disable it if necessary. This can be particularly helpful for students with disabilities who must use their hands for typing or cannot operate a mouse. In addition, other enhancements have been implemented including being able to display notification icons and an indicator of network activity.
It is secure
Lockdown browsers for online proctoring can be an effective way to enhance student testing experiences, but instructors should take into account certain key issues before mandating students’ use of such solutions. Lockdown solutions may lead to computer instability, interfere with applications, expose devices to viruses, and aren’t easily accessible for those with disabilities. In order to address these concerns, instructors may wish to instruct best practices for computer safety while making sure software integration with an LMS platform is seamless.
Respondus LockDown Browser building blocks enable instructors to assign exams that prevent students from accessing it using any other browser; additionally, print, screen capture and Task Manager are disabled as well as unauthorised programs or files on student computers until assessment has concluded. Furthermore, instructors can record videos of student screens through Respondus LockDown Browser to identify any instances of cheating.
Lockdown Browser is a flexible, secure browser designed for remote and automatic proctored tests, both remotely and automatically proctored. The product can be used alone or combined with Respondus Monitor as an add-on. Lockdown can monitor student screens to flag behavior that could indicate cheating; and can be installed on most laptops as well as tablets and mobile phones.
At an exam, the browser not only restricts access to other websites and programs but also restricts keyboard shortcuts, mouse commands and desktop applications. In addition, it can take pictures and record audio – however this feature only works effectively in classroom or lab settings; otherwise it won’t work as effectively at home or unmonitored locations.
Instructors should use practice quizzes before graded exams that require LockDown Browser use to familiarize their students with its interface and functionality. An inaccessible quiz may be made “Exclude from Final Grades” under Manage Grades for the quiz; additionally, instructors should ensure the browser can work on an iPad prior to mandating its use in an exam.
It is affordable
Institutions looking to ensure academic integrity during online assessments have several options available to them. Browser lockdown software helps protect students from cheating by restricting access to websites and applications on their computers; however, its monitoring abilities are limited compared to more sophisticated solutions that combine artificial intelligence and human reviews in order to detect academic dishonesty and detect and prevent cheating more comprehensively; though more costly tools provide a comprehensive solution.
Respondus is an industry pioneer when it comes to online testing, with hundreds of millions of exams using its technology each year to maintain academic integrity at educational institutions worldwide. Respondus Lockdown Browser serves as its flagship product and can proctor online quizzes and tests administered in universities, schools and other organizations; additional tools from Respondus Monitor including virtual proctoring capabilities use webcams to record test takers as they take tests while alerting instructors when there are signs of cheating are spotted by instructors.
UA students can download the Respondus Lockdown Browser free of charge and it works on both PCs and Mac computers. Before taking an exam that requires Respondus Lockdown Browser installation is recommended for maximum connectivity during examination sessions; additionally it’s also advised to connect all devices using Ethernet cables in order to prevent connection loss during the exam session.
LockDown Browser is a custom browser designed to restrict testing environments within learning systems. When taking exams, students cannot navigate away from the testing area by switching apps or visiting other URLs; nor are they permitted to copy questions from another source without first being graded – thus eliminating numerous forms of cheating in proctored settings.
Students can easily set up Respondus Browser before beginning an exam. Faculty should consider providing students with an introduction to Respondus Software as well as quick start guides; additionally CAT+ provides faculty training on Respondus featuring its new features of browser and monitor.