Tests that require a LockDown Browser cannot be taken with standard browsers. Students are also prevented from exiting until the assessment has been submitted for grading. LockDown Browser is now able to block the use of virtual machines, remote desktops, screen sharing, instant messaging, screen recording, browser cache exploits, and many more.Īssessments taken in LockDown Browser are displayed on full screen and students are unable to minimize these windows. This has led to further extension of the LockDown Browser’s functionalities to prevent simple and more advanced means of cheating. In spite of LockDown Browser blocking these features during online tests, some students have still identified certain approaches to circumventing these functionalities. Installing LockDown Browser enables the software to gain some level of control of the user’s computer during test-taking and then restrict actions like copy-pasting, keyboard shortcuts, opening other applications, printing or even switching to another browser.
The ability to restrict the level of activity on the student’s computer becomes useful for other students as well who may simply be tempted. It’s no secret that some students would always try to identify ingenious ways to cheat especially in online examinations taken at the convenience of their homes. As the name suggests, LockDown Browser prevents student cheating by locking down various activities on a user’s computer or tablet during test-taking. LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks the testing environment within learning management systems. Let’s take a look at what a lockdown browser is, and how it works to deter student cheating during online examinations. While this article focuses primarily on LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor, other popular online proctoring tools include Honorlock, Proctorio, and ProctorU. Platforms like Blackboard leverage LockDown Browser as an automated proctoring tool. One of the most popular names in the field of online proctoring is Respondus and LockDown Browser. What Is LockDown Browser And How Does It Work To prevent students from misusing computers during online examinations to cheat, institutions resort to lockdown browsers. This is essential especially since some institutions leverage various forms of online learning including blended learning in their delivery.Įven in in-person lessons, examinations can be held online and an instructor may be present where necessary. One of the biggest challenges that came with the introduction of online learning was a way to deter students from cheating during online examinations as they were more likely to cheat in online examinations than in-person examinations.įortunately, modern technology has evolved to provide tools for various tasks including online proctoring. It enables teachers to adequately assess the knowledge and comprehension levels of a specific subject area.
Exam proctoring is an essential part of summative and formative assessments in every institution.