LockDown Browser is a custom browser that deters cheating by restricting student access to other websites, applications, and tools during online assessments.

When LockDown Browser is enabled:

  • the assessment cannot be accessed with other browsers.

  • the assessment is displayed in full screen mode and cannot be minimized.

  • browser menu and toolbar actions are limited to Back, Forward, Refresh, and Stop.

  • messaging, screen-sharing, virtual machine, and remote desktop applications are blocked.

  • print and screen capture functions are disabled.

  • copying and pasting content to or from the assessment is prohibited.

  • right-click menus, function keys, keyboard shortcuts, and task switching are disabled.

  • students cannot exit the assessment without submitting it for grading.


First time using the LockDown Browser? READ THIS ⬇️!


Ideally, students should be restarting their laptops on a regular basis. However, this is not always the case. The first time a teacher uses the LockDown browser with their class, we recommend having all students restart their laptops prior to beginning the assessment to help alleviate potential issues. See Troubleshooting below for more information. 


In addition, we STRONGLY suggest before you use LockDown Browser for the first time, send in a support ticket to the Tech Department letting us know the day/time you plan on giving the assessment. If available, a member of the Tech Department will come to your class to help with getting your first assessment up and running. 



Enable LockDown Browser on an onCampus Assessment


  1. From the Assignment Center or class Assignments tab, select +Add, then Assessment. 


  2. Under Details, select Enable LockDown Browser.


  3. To allow students to access the virtual calculator during the assessment, select Enable virtual calculator.



**Note: Allow students to resume independently is disabled when Enable LockDown Browser is selected.


Taking assessments in LockDown Browser

**The LockDown Browser should be installed on all school issued MacBooks. If a student does not have LockDown browser installed on their laptop, send them to the Tech Center.


  1. To begin the assessment, the students select Begin test.



  2. A pop up will open prompting students to Open LockDown Browser OEM. Students should check the box to Always allow and then select Open LockDown Browser OEM.


  3. The LockDown browser application will start opening. It can take between 5-10 seconds so students should be patient and refrain from trying to open the assessment again. 


  4.  Students will be prompted to Close applications and Continue.



  5. The LockDown Browser will open, and students can complete the assessment.


  6. When finished, the student selects Submit.


  7. After submitting their assessment, students will select Close to exit LockDown Browser.




**Note: If a student opens a submitted assessment to review their results, the results page opens in LockDown Browser.


LockDown Browser Proctor Exit

In the event that LockDown Browser becomes unresponsive, or a student is unable to submit their assessment due to a system error, a teacher may initiate the proctor exit process.


**Note: Do not share the proctor exit passcode with students. The proctor exit process should be performed by a faculty member directly on the student's device. 


  1. On the student's device, select the information icon letter "i" in a circle at the top of the LockDown Browser window.


  2. A pop up window will open, select Proctor Exit.


  3. Enter the Exit Password found here and select OK.


  4. LockDown Browser will close.


A student cannot resume a LockDown Browser assessment until the faculty member allows them to continue.

  1. On the faculty member's device, go to the Assignment Center or class Assignments tab.
  2. Select the assessment name.


  3. Select the student from the list.


  4. Select Allow continue.


The student can now resume the assessment.


Troubleshooting Issues with LockDown Browser


Issue: A student does not have LockDown Browser installed on their laptop. 


Solution: The LockDown Browser should be installed on all school issued MacBooks. If a student does not have LockDown browser installed on their laptop, send them to the Tech Center. 



Issue: A student gets a "Could not close the application 'Google Chrome Helper (Renderer)' pop up when trying to launch an assessment.



Solution: Have the student click OK and try opening the assessment again.


Issue: A student gets a "Some Blocklisted Applications are running..... ARDAgent..." pop up when trying to launch an assessment.

 

Solution: The student should follow the instructions from the pop up by clicking Quit LockDown Browser OEM then opening System Preferences > General > Sharing > toggle off Screen Sharing, Remote Login, Remote Management, and Remote Apple Events. The student should then try opening the assessment again. 



Issue: A student gets a "Downloads folder permission required" pop up when trying to launch an assessment.



Solution: The student should follow the instructions from the pop up by clicking OK. Then opening System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Files & Folders and then toggle on Downloads Folder under LockDown Browser OEM. The students should then try opening the assessment again. 


Issue: A student gets a pop up that says they have Chrome extensions (like Screencastify) that must be exited.


Solution: The student should follow the instructions from the pop up by clicking on the 3 dots in the top-right of Chrome > Extensions > Manage Extensions. The student should remove all extensions that are not needed.