Locked Down Web Browser
Many faculty want their students to use computers during tests; however, they also must ensure that no outside programs or websites can access other parts of a test session. To do this, many use Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Prior to taking any quiz or test on Canvas, instruct your students to download their browser onto their devices and follow any necessary instructions that have been posted by Canvas.
Improved Productivity
Locking down browsers prevent students from accessing other web windows, programs or apps on their computer during proctored online exams. It serves as an effective means of keeping students focused and keeping them from using their computers for anything other than the exam itself – not to mention helping prevent cheating! While not 100% effective at stopping cheating attempts it does help keep students on task and prevents any deviations into unrelated subjects that might distract from the exam itself.
LockDown browsers typically run on computers belonging to institutions where students are studying or testing centers; however, with pandemic-driven remote work and study becoming the norm, many institutions now require students to install this software on their personal computers for tests and other tasks – this can present unique challenges, since not everyone’s computers are configured the same. Operating system-dependent approaches for managing browser and software on desktops exist – for instance Mozilla’s Firefox Enterprise provides ADMX (Windows group policy) templates, plist (macOS policy management), and JSON files to support Linux desktop machines.
Instructors can also leverage Respondus Monitor on their quizzes for an enhanced live proctoring experience, using camera and microphone of computer to monitor students during examination process. For more information about using Respondus Monitor with quizzes please see Instructor Quick Start Guide.
Importantly, browser locks do not verify student identity and should not be seen as a replacement for in-person proctoring. If a faculty member intends to utilize such software on a student computer, they should strongly encourage using an accessible and secure connection; Wi-Fi networks or mobile hotspots should not be utilized due to their potential vulnerability.
As important is to remind students not to attempt to bypass LockDown browser software. Doing so would not only be immoral but could also lead to serious technical problems on devices and computers. As opposed to spending resources figuring out ways around it, students would typically benefit more by studying in an ethical way and passing their exams without hacking any programs or trying to bypass software in any other way.
Enhanced Security
Browser lockdown is an effective way to ensure the safety and privacy of a device. By restricting internet access to just a select few websites, you can ensure your personal and professional information are safe from prying eyes or hackers, while simultaneously increasing productivity by restricting time-wasting apps or social media services.
Administrators can use the right tools to lock down any web browser, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari. 42Gears Secure Kiosk Browser provides administrators with a way of restricting Internet access only to approved websites – providing employees with only what is necessary for work while protecting privacy or avoiding financial loss.
As a result, employee productivity increases and cyberattacks decrease. Furthermore, this feature can protect devices against malware and phishing attacks, two common sources of data breaches. It’s particularly beneficial for businesses that allow their employees to bring their own devices (BYOD policies).
LockDown Browser may provide improved security for quizzes and tests, but it cannot ensure 100% protection. Cheating cannot always be detected – for instance if multiple computers, tablets or phones are in a room simultaneously answering questions during a quiz; or students simply use plain paper instead of digital devices to answer quiz questions during exams. LockDown Browser may not prevent students from disconnection/loss of internet connectivity which causes tests to freeze up prematurely or end prematurely.
Students need to know what they should expect when taking a quiz or test through LockDown Browser, and instructors should set up a practice quiz in Cougar Courses which requires this browser so students can test out and get familiar with its software before the actual quiz or test takes place. In addition, having a proctor present during actual quiz or tests may assist with technical issues or any unexpected obstacles they might run into during testing sessions.
Task-Specific Devices
Browser lockdown can help educators reduce cheating during exams by restricting students from accessing any devices other than their primary monitored one during tests and exams. It can help stop students accessing information on other devices or searching the web during a test; moreover, many lockdown browser software programs include functions for detecting and blocking screen-sharing or multiple monitors on one device – this feature is particularly helpful for educators who wish to ensure students remain focused on the task at hand and aren’t distracted by other devices or web pages.
Browser locks can also be beneficial on devices that must be dedicated solely to performing certain tasks, like tracking inventory or acting as point-of-sale terminals. Such devices can be secured to only show a web page displaying the form into which data should be entered – this helps increase productivity while protecting users from accidentally accessing other apps that could result in the loss of data or inaccurate records. Some browsers even offer kiosk mode which restricts what’s allowed on a device by running in full-screen mode while disabling add-ons and restricting other apps from access.
When an assignment incorporates LockDown Browser restrictions, students will not be allowed to visit other websites, view other applications or copy while working on it – creating a fair testing environment. When closing down, all restrictions will be lifted automatically.
Respondus Lockdown Browser with or without Monitor is often utilized for online exam proctoring, helping alleviate some of the duties assigned by on-campus proctors who must still ensure students don’t use phones, other devices or cheat during tests. Faculty should install Respondus into Canvas before activating this feature and entering their access code for this option in Exam Settings for assignments or tests.
Enhanced Monitoring
Browser lockdown software limits internet access to only those websites and applications necessary for an individual task, helping businesses increase online productivity by providing employees access to essential web portals while disallowing time-wasting apps from being downloaded. It also prevents cyber-attacks by making sure employees don’t visit phishing or malicious websites.
Locking down browsers on devices can also help protect sensitive data. For instance, when employees must enter personal details into an online form on a website, entering it more efficiently when the browser only displays that webpage and form is easier when configured as a kiosk browser setup – providing another method of safeguarding confidential or sensitive information from being leaked out accidentally.
Many faculty want students to use computers when taking tests and quizzes, yet prevent them from accessing other websites or applications during the test itself. To address this challenge, universities have begun using Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser solution – it allows instructors to track student test-taking while locking students into taking only that test until it has been submitted for grading – this browser can be enabled in Canvas by selecting “Enable Respondus Monitor” when creating tests.
Used appropriately, LockDown browser can help to enhance assessment quality and build student trust in computer-based testing. But it should be remembered that its presence does not fully prevent cheating during exams or assessments online; hence other approaches should also be explored for assessing student knowledge and skills without using LockDown browser.
LockDown browser poses one of the greatest concerns for educators regarding student activity and keystrokes. While some information on computer operating system and hardware specifications is collected by this software, none of it pertaining to personal details or browsing histories is stored by this tool.
However, software may be difficult to install on various devices and can experience technical difficulties during an exam – this may cause students to lose progress and become disgruntled. To minimize this possibility, students are advised to test out the software prior to sitting exams to make sure it will run on all their devices and that they understand how best to utilize its features.