Locked Browser For Testing

NC State students have been required to download Respondus lockdown programs in order to take exams online. While it’s easy and quick, there can be issues preventing their use during tests.

Valdosta State University utilizes LockDown Browser and Monitor as tools to maintain academic integrity during online tests and quizzes, this page offers information and resources regarding their usage.

How it works

Browser lockdown software can prevent online students from cheating during exams by disabling certain apps and browsers during testing sessions. Furthermore, its installation is straightforward without interfering with system or antivirus programs and it provides greater safety compared to traditional proctoring tools by not permitting examiners access to an examinee’s screen or files without express permission from both students and examiners.

However, this proctoring tool may not be the most reliable as it doesn’t completely prevent students from cheating and may also be vulnerable to hacker attacks which lead to computer malfunction.

Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser designed to secure Canvas testing environments. When students use it to take exams in Blackboard, they are prevented from printing, copying, accessing other URLs or any applications until their test has been submitted for grading. Compatible with most learning management systems (LMSs), such as Blackboard Learn, Brightspace Canvas Moodle Schoology.

Respondus lockdown browser requires students to first log into their course and locate a test they need to take before clicking “Launch LockDown Browser” or following instructor-provided instructions in order to begin an exam. While under exam conditions, students cannot use any other applications or websites besides closing out of Respondus browser in order to leave exam.

Browser lockdown not only offers security benefits for exams but can also enhance the user experience for instructors and students. By limiting how many clicks it takes students to reach certain items on an exam page, and speeding up its completion time.

Students’ exams also provide instructors with an effective way to track student progress during an exam, so they know who needs extra support and can offer it accordingly. It can also be used to verify whether students have all of the appropriate hardware and software necessary for taking assessments; furthermore, any unnecessary applications or features on student computers can be blocked to avoid cheating during exams – for instance cell phones being used by students to look up answers or assist them while taking the test are also prevented by this feature.

Benefits

As online learning becomes more commonplace, it becomes necessary to reduce cheating during online tests and exams. While there are various methods to protect test integrity, browser lockdown software remains one of the simplest solutions – blocking examinees from accessing other browsers, applications or desktop functions during an exam is just one example of such software – making this tool especially helpful for educational institutions lacking enough resources to establish testing centers while offering benefits to both examinees and examiners alike.

However, browser lockdown software should not be seen as the optimal proctoring solution; it has many shortcomings, including intrusiveness and poor security; it is vulnerable to hacker attacks and may lead to computer malfunctions; furthermore it cannot be combined with more efficient video proctoring tools for exam cheating detection and deterrence.

Software such as browser lockdown programs have some significant limitations, including being unable to detect cell phones or other secondary devices; in addition, they cannot hear when an examinee is discussing test questions with someone over the phone or asking another friend for answers to test questions. As such, additional test security measures should also be utilized alongside browser lockdown software programs.

Lockdown browsers not only restrict student access to other applications and websites, but they can also prevent students from downloading or saving copies of exams they take. Furthermore, they block keyboard shortcuts that would otherwise enable printing, copying and pasting. It is crucial for students to be aware of these limits and follow instructors’ instructions accordingly.

Students should understand that any attempt at bypassing the Respondus LockDown Browser could have serious repercussions, and for this reason it is highly advised that they take a practice quiz prior to taking any test requiring Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor. To do this, log onto Blackboard and select an assessment that requires Respondus LockDown Browser; click Launch Respondus LockDown Browser button; if they experience problems using this application please contact your instructor for help; also be sure all students possess all required equipment and programs needed for it’s use!

Installation

LockDown Browser is a secure browser designed to prevent students from accessing external resources during proctored assessments administered in testing centers or computer labs (it’s installed on all Windows computers in our STCs). When students utilize this tool, they are unable to print, copy, visit another web page, or access any applications until their assessment has been submitted for grading.

This tool works in tandem with other exam proctoring solutions to provide maximum security for online exams. It can be combined with live or automated proctoring solutions for an integrated proctoring approach; virtual proctoring reduces cost and time required to administer exams; or it can even serve as a stand-in solution for students unable to travel to campus to take exams.

Browser usage relies on having an uninterrupted Internet connection, with Ethernet wired Internet being recommended during exams to avoid dropped or interrupted connections; wireless, USB modems and laptop connect cards may not provide as reliable a connection.

Before taking an exam, it is advisable to close any programs which might interfere with the use of your browser – including antivirus and antispyware programs, firewalls and any others that could create issues. Furthermore, personal web browsers and social media accounts should be temporarily suspended prior to starting any exam as these can present distracting activities that could impede performance.

Installation procedures depend on your operating system, so for best results please review instructions for your OS on HuskyCT Institution page.

If you are having difficulties with the lockdown browser, try restarting your computer first. If that does not solve it, contact one of the staff members in OIT Help Desk for further assistance.

Once the browser starts up, you will be asked to agree to its license agreement in order to begin using it. After signing it, the browser will be installed onto your computer and you can begin taking assessments. If using a Chromebook instead of PC for an exam, Respondus LockDown must first be installed as an extension on that particular Chromebook browser before taking an exam.

Limitations

As online learning becomes more widespread, questions have arisen regarding its ability to maintain academic integrity and prevent cheating during testing sessions. Luckily, technology exists that makes online proctoring efficient and effective – browser lockdown software being one such simple yet effective tool that allows educators to monitor examinees’ on-screen activities while disabling desktop functions and applications during exams; additionally it verifies student identities as well as disallowing multiple devices that might manipulate test results.

Lockdown browsers may provide an effective means of monitoring online exams, but they’re far from foolproof. Students could potentially manipulate its results by altering URLs or installing applications on their computers that bypass its detection; screen sharing software or multiple monitors might also allow bypassing. Furthermore, this software doesn’t detect other devices which might be used to take an exam or access additional materials like paper notes or smartphones.

To avoid potential issues, it’s essential that students utilize a blended proctoring system that integrates automated and live proctoring technologies, to increase security while decreasing stress for themselves. Students should also know that instructors may require them to use a lockdown browser and be ready for testing at a designated time and location.

Lockdown browser software can cause issues with certain programs, including iTunes and media managers, instant messenger apps and file-sharing agents. Sometimes these can even cause the browser to freeze or crash entirely! For such situations, a teacher can create a Quit Password which they communicate to their students or directly enter into their device browser field for use when necessary.

To ensure the browser is installed and used solely for an exam, instructors must provide clear instructions on how to launch Schoology and launch it correctly. In addition, having IT staff available as support could assist students experiencing installation or usage issues. In Canvas LTI integration feature can also limit how many sites or services may be accessed during an exam; this feature can be found under Settings Menu.