What is Lockdown Browser?
Lockdown Browser is a secure browser designed to prevent cheating during online exams. It restricts access to other websites, applications, and files, ensuring that students focus solely on the test at hand.
Why Use Lockdown Browser on a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are popular devices for education due to their affordability, portability, and ease of use. However, they can also pose security risks during exams if students access unauthorized materials. Lockdown Browser addresses this issue by providing a controlled testing environment.
How to Download Lockdown Browser on a Chromebook
1. Install the Chrome Extension:
- Visit the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for “Respondus Lockdown Browser.”
- Click “Add to Chrome.”
- Click “Add extension.”
2. Enable Lockdown Mode:
- Open the Lockdown Browser extension.
- Click the “Enable Lockdown Mode” button.
- Enter the exam code provided by your instructor.
Features of Lockdown Browser
- Secure Testing Environment: Prevents students from accessing unauthorized materials or communicating with others during exams.
- Exam Control: Instructors can remotely lock or unlock the browser, preventing students from pausing or exiting the exam.
- Keyboard and Mouse Monitoring: Detects suspicious activity, such as multiple mouse clicks or keystrokes per second.
- Screen Capture Prevention: Blocks students from taking screenshots or recording their screens.
- Detailed Exam Reports: Provides instructors with information about student behavior during the exam, such as time spent on each question and any suspicious activity.
Benefits of Using Lockdown Browser
- Increased Exam Integrity: Ensures that exams are fair and unbiased, promoting academic honesty.
- Reduced Cheating: Eliminates the temptation for students to access unauthorized materials, reducing cheating incidents.
- Improved Student Focus: Creates a distraction-free environment, allowing students to concentrate on the exam without interruption.
- Time Savings: Automates exam monitoring and reporting, freeing up instructors’ time for other tasks.
Data on Lockdown Browser Effectiveness
- A study by Respondus found that schools using Lockdown Browser saw a 95% reduction in cheating incidents.
- Another study by ETS showed that students who took exams in Lockdown Browser had higher scores than those who did not.
Innovative Applications of Lockdown Browser
Beyond secure testing, Lockdown Browser can also be repurposed for innovative applications, such as:
- Secure Quizzes for Employee Training: Ensure that employees are completing quizzes independently and without distractions.
- Virtual Proctoring for Online Learning: Monitor students’ progress and prevent cheating during remote learning sessions.
- Timed Assessments for Skill Verification: Measure candidate skills and abilities in a controlled environment, such as for job interviews or certification exams.
Useful Tables
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Test Control | Instructors can remotely lock or unlock the browser, preventing students from pausing or exiting the exam. |
| Keyboard and Mouse Monitoring | Detects suspicious activity, such as multiple mouse clicks or keystrokes per second. |
| Screen Capture Prevention | Blocks students from taking screenshots or recording their screens. |
| Detailed Exam Reports | Provides instructors with information about student behavior during the exam, such as time spent on each question and any suspicious activity. |
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Increased Exam Integrity | Ensures that exams are fair and unbiased, promoting academic honesty. |
| Reduced Cheating | Eliminates the temptation for students to access unauthorized materials, reducing cheating incidents. |
| Improved Student Focus | Creates a distraction-free environment, allowing students to concentrate on the exam without interruption. |
| Time Savings | Automates exam monitoring and reporting, freeing up instructors’ time for other tasks. |
| Innovative Application | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Secure Quizzes for Employee Training | Ensure that employees are completing quizzes independently and without distractions. |
| Virtual Proctoring for Online Learning | Monitor students’ progress and prevent cheating during remote learning sessions. |
| Timed Assessments for Skill Verification | Measure candidate skills and abilities in a controlled environment, such as for job interviews or certification exams. |
Effective Strategies for Using Lockdown Browser
- Communicate the purpose and benefits of Lockdown Browser to students to ensure their understanding and cooperation.
- Set clear expectations for exam conduct and consequences for cheating.
- Provide technical support to students before and during exams to resolve any issues promptly.
- Monitor student behavior during exams through Lockdown Browser reports to identify any potential cheating incidents.
- Use Lockdown Browser in conjunction with other measures to strengthen exam security, such as random question orders and time limits.
Tips and Tricks
- Allow students to practice using Lockdown Browser in a controlled environment before actual exams to familiarize them with its features.
- Consider using Lockdown Browser in combination with other tools, such as virtual proctoring software, for enhanced security.
- Explore the custom settings available in Lockdown Browser to tailor the testing experience to your specific requirements.