Web Lockdown Browser
Some online quizzes and exams require students to use Lockdown Browser software in order to participate. This application restricts desktop features, applications, web search results, etc. that could facilitate academic dishonesty.
Respondus Monitor, New Mexico State’s version of this software, includes an integrated web camera for remote, automatically proctored testing. To gain further knowledge about Respondus Monitor read this article.
How it works
As online learning continues to expand, it’s crucial that we implement systems to prevent cheating during exams. Web Lockdown Browser provides online proctoring to make sure students focus solely on taking their exams without accessing other programs or websites on their computer.
Contrary to other proctoring tools that feature webcams and microphones, this software only monitors your on-screen activity. As such, it cannot see or hear you, instead only monitoring what actions take place on screen. Furthermore, this tool blocks access to any browser tabs, desktop applications or keyboard shortcuts on other machines that might otherwise impede testing.
Although these measures can help minimize cheating in exams, they aren’t foolproof. There are ways around these restrictions such as using a proxy server or changing IP addresses; however, your instructor could detect these actions and flag your account for closer examination during the exam period.
To avoid these issues, it’s recommended that when taking exams in a browser you use a wired Internet connection – wireless connections tend to drop or interrupt connection often resulting in your browser no longer functioning correctly. If you plan to implement browser testing into future courses we advise updating your syllabus with information regarding its purpose and technological requirements (including full computer requirements). Furthermore, add a link to Student Quick Start Guide within Brightspace course container.
An alternative approach would be to provide your students with a practice quiz containing test questions that require Respondus Lockdown Browser download and usage before their exams take place. That way, they’ll know to download and utilize it before test day arrives.
The browser should only be seen as a support tool and shouldn’t replace the role of proctor in on-campus environments. Faculty should still verify that students aren’t using phones to gain access, copying from others, etc. To find out more about using this tool in your courses, check out CAT+ faculty training sessions or contact Janice Florent.
Why it’s important
Software that detects cheating also maintains academic integrity online courses. Unfortunately, however, browser lockdown software cannot do anything against students who attempt to cheat in other ways that go beyond its monitoring–such as having another person present or using different devices for taking exams–in these instances a proctor could help ensure fair conditions during examinations.
Browser lockdown software presents another serious risk: its inner workings are hard to follow and could pose potential privacy and security risks for the examinee’s computer. Many security specialists also believe it increases the chance of hackers attack as it gives full access to control over it by the browser lockdown software.
Instructors must educate their students on the use of browser lockdown software before any tests that require it are taken. Instructors should include a link to the Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor Student Quick Start Guide as part of quiz instructions, general online testing support pages or course homepages – or add it into quiz settings so students are reminded to download it prior to taking assessments that need it.
Additionally, instructors should stress the significance of having a strong and stable Internet connection when using browser lockdown for exams. A stable connection reduces interruptions that might cause “Fix it” errors to appear during testing sessions; wired Ethernet connections should be preferred over wireless hotspots or mobile data services when taking exams with browser lockdown enabled.
Instructors should create a practice quiz before any assessment that requires browser lockdown, so students can become acquainted with it. This should include at least one 1-question, 0-point quiz that offers unlimited attempts and access for at least a week prior to an actual assessment due date. Doing this allows students to address any potential issues or reduce disruptions during their real test.
What to expect
As computer-based testing becomes more prevalent, tools to help ensure its integrity are becoming increasingly necessary. Lockdown Browser is one such tool which helps prevent cheating during online tests by restricting usage of other apps, desktop features and web search – although it cannot guarantee 100% integrity as students still find ways to cheat during exams.
Browser lockdown limits an examinee’s access to other applications and desktop features; however, it cannot prevent secondary devices such as mobile phones, tablets, other computers, paper notes or paper pens being used by an examinee in an examination room. As it cannot detect other people present during an online exam, other forms of proctoring must also be included as part of its administration.
As such, we recommend faculty add a note to their course and syllabus that indicates when an exam requires Respondus Lockdown Browser/Respondus Monitor. Furthermore, instructors should create a practice quiz requiring both tools so students can gain experience using them before an official online assessment takes place. Doing this allows students to ensure their browsers are working as intended while familiarizing themselves with how best to prepare themselves for testing using Respondus Lockdown Browser/Respondus Monitor.
Respondus Lockdown Browser/Respondus monitor offers several resources that will aid your students when taking assessments using Respondus Lockdown Browser/Respondus monitor, including student-facing materials as well as this video and quick start guide.
If you have questions about using Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor in your courses, reach out to your assigned CAT+ consultant or attend one of the CAT+ workshops. CAT+ also offers Virtual Instruction sessions where students can learn how to use these tools.
If you have any concerns or inquiries regarding the accessibility or compatibility of Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor with assistive technology, please reach out to Janice Florent at x43931. It’s important to keep in mind that while Respondus software provides effective protection from cheating, it’s not an impenetrable system. There will always be intelligent people looking for ways around it; but chances are, those attempts won’t bear fruit during real assessments where failure could mean failing an entire course or worse, life itself.
Getting started
A browser lock is a basic proctoring solution that should be utilized alongside other proctoring measures to help combat cheating on an exam computer. Its purpose is to block access to other websites and applications on student PCs; however, it doesn’t detect other devices like mobile phones or tablets, nor can it stop students taking paper notes or using microphones during exams – thus it should only be employed as part of an overall proctoring solution and not on its own.
Instructors looking to use a lockdown browser must first create a quiz or test in Canvas that requires Respondus LockDown Browser or Monitor and post instructions on how students should download it and take their exam in Canvas. Furthermore, providing students with an example quiz so they can practice before their actual examination can also be beneficial.
After their exam is complete, students should exit and return to their regular browser. Reentering LockDown could pose problems with grading and security risks; so having an administrator readily available to help students should they encounter difficulties is strongly recommended.
For instructors interested in using Respondus LockDown Browser for exams, contact your Faculty Support Liaison for assistance. They will set up a training session with your technical assistant (TA) or technical assistant and review system requirements for your students. In addition, their Technical Support Intermediaries team can offer support when problems occur during tests such as failing to load LSB app or issues with audio/video transmission.
TSI team has created a document that provides details on how Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor interact with third party publisher applications, available in TSI Library. If needed, we can assist with setting up a demonstration webinar with Respondus as well.