Understanding Lockdown Browser: A Complete Guide

The Respondus Lockdown Browser is a tool made to keep academic integrity safe during any online exam. When you use this browser, it locks down the computer and stops you from getting to outside resources. This helps students stay on the test and not look up answers from other places.

The solution can be used in many LMS for safe online testing. If you are an instructor or a student who needs to take an exam, knowing how Respondus and this lockdown browser works will help give you a smooth testing day.

What is Lockdown Browser?

The Lockdown Browser is a special web browser made to create a safe place to take online tests. It stops students from getting to apps, websites, or files they should not use during the exam. This custom browser is not like normal ones but made for schools. It helps keep the test honest and keeps students from getting distracted. Many colleges and schools in the U.S. use this browser to have the same level of security for every online exam.

When you use Lockdown Browser, some things like opening more than one tab, copying, or printing will be blocked on their own. It works smoothly with your school’s learning management system (LMS). This makes things easy for both teachers and students.

Teachers can use special limits that can fit each test’s needs. The browser will only let you get into the exam so test results are more true. Lockdown Browser helps schools trust that the scores really show what people know.

Key Features and Functions of Lockdown Browser

The Lockdown Browser has many features that help protect academic integrity during quizzes and exams.

• It stops you from opening other apps, tabs, or browsers. This keeps the testing environment safe.
• You get different lockdown browser settings. These let instructors pick which restrictions to use for each quiz or exam.
• It works well with LMS systems like Canvas. Students and teachers can use it through the Lockdown Browser dashboard.
• The browser gets regular updates. These updates help it work better and fix problems, so it runs smoothly.

The interface is simple and easy for anyone to use. This means students can focus on their academic task and not get distracted. When logging in, you take the quiz or exam in a secure browser window. This window blocks features like screenshots or printing.

For teachers, the dashboard makes it easy to set up a quiz and watch student compliance. These strong features help the Lockdown Browser keep exams safe in today's classrooms.

How Lockdown Browser Ensures Exam Security

Securing online exams is very important, and the Respondus Lockdown Browser does this well. The browser works with Canvas and other LMS systems to keep students in the right testing environment. It stops people from getting to outside resources or apps that are not allowed during the test. This helps keep academic honesty strong.

This browser blocks outside urls in real time. It also turns off keyboard shortcuts, so students focus on the exam at all times. For high-stakes tests, you can pair this app with tools like Respondus Monitor for more security, but this app is not available everywhere now.

Teachers can also use settings in the respondus lockdown browser to stop actions such as printing, taking screenshots, or leaving tests too soon. Even when the chance of tech errors is low, students must follow the strict rules set by the browser and finish their tasks inside the testing environment.

System Requirements and Compatibility

Meeting the system requirements is key for smooth use of the Lockdown Browser. You have to use a device like Windows, Mac, or Chromebook. The browser needs at least 200 MB of space on the disk and 2 GB of RAM to work well on your system.

Also, your internet connection affects how the browser runs, especially when you take live tests. With the lockdown browser, Ethernet is often the best choice for a stable connection. Since it works with LMS systems like Canvas and Rady courses, you must check that your minimum requirements match what each platform needs on your Chromebook, Mac, or Windows computer.

This helps people have a good experience during use.

Supported Operating Systems and Devices

The Lockdown Browser is compatible with various operating systems, catering to diverse needs. The table below details the devices and computers suitable for use:

• Windows: 10, 11 (Not compatible with "S Mode" or "SE"
• macOS: 10.15 through 15.0 and later
• ChromeOS: Latest versions of LTS and Stable Channel
• iPadOS: 12.0 or newer (Incompatible with Sakai LMS servers)

To fully benefit from this browser, students should ensure their devices are updated. iPad users must utilize a compatible LMS like Canvas, as there are limitations in terms of functionality with external tools.

For Chromebook users, it’s essential to select the Long Term Support channel to ensure optimal performance of the lockdown browser.

Network, Hardware, and Software Prerequisites

To use the Lockdown Browser safely, you need the right hardware, software, and wifi connection.

• You must have a stable internet connection. An Ethernet cable is better for a good and steady link when you need to take long exams.
• Your computer should have at least 2 GB RAM and 200 MB of free space on the disk.
• The browser works with the Chromium base, so you do not need to put the regular Chrome browser on your device.
• The setup guides help you, step by step, so the browser will work well with your learning management system.

If you follow these steps before your exam, you will be ready. You will feel less stress and get no trouble on test day. The time you spend on this lets you use the Lockdown Browser without problems. This way helps keep the test safe and makes sure you focus on your work.

Using Lockdown Browser for Online Exams in the U.S.

In the U.S., the Respondus Lockdown Browser helps to keep online exams safe in systems like Canvas. Schools and colleges use it to protect academic integrity. This is because the browser stops people from going to other websites during a test.

Instructors and students both get a lot out of this. The Respondus Lockdown Browser works well with LMS systems. It helps teachers set up and run quizzes in a way that is just right for their needs.

Canvas courses are where you start to use the browser. There are easy tools that help people give and take tests without trouble. The process is simple, so you can move through each quiz without a problem.

Steps to Download and Install Lockdown Browser

Installing the Lockdown Browser is easy. To do it, just follow these steps:

1. Go to your LMS course and open the quiz that needs the Lockdown Browser.
2. Click the “Download Respondus Lockdown Browser” prompt.
3. You will see a page for the app store. Pick “Install Now” and open the folder to start the setup.
4. Follow the steps you see on the screen to finish the installation process.
5. Once it’s ready, open the browser. Log in with your LMS details and you can get to your exam.

Taking an Exam with Lockdown Browser: What to Expect

Your time with an online exam using Lockdown Browser is very step-by-step:

• When you open Lockdown Browser, you have to log in to your LMS or Canvas course.
• Many teachers ask you to do practice exams first, so you get used to how the browser works.
• You cannot go to other URLs or open other apps, like instant messaging, while taking the actual test. This helps you stay focused.

The process is simple, but you should control your space. Keep noise down and turn off all other devices. This helps you not be disturbed during the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lockdown Browser safe to use on my computer?

Yes, the Lockdown Browser is safe to use and keeps to high privacy rules. It blocks what you can do on your system during tests, but it does not open your other files or look at your stuff. The installation process of this browser runs well with your system, so you get security without your privacy being touched.

Can I use other applications while using Lockdown Browser?

No, the Lockdown Browser blocks access to all other apps, like instant messaging or regular browsers such as Chrome. This helps make sure you stay only on the online exam. It stops you from opening URLs or looking at anything that is not allowed.

What should I do if Lockdown Browser freezes during an exam?

If the Lockdown Browser stops working while you are taking an online exam, tell your instructor or proctor right away. Also, check the wifi connection on your device. Try to restart the system if you can. If the problem does not go away, let your lms team know so that they can help or give another way to finish your online exam.

Does Lockdown Browser monitor me through my webcam?

No, the Lockdown Browser does not watch you using your webcam. The testing environment turns off features outside the browser, but it does not record with your device. However, tools like Respondus Monitor might be used if your school wants that in the setup.