Preparing College-Bound Students for Digital Assessments
High school students are taking digitized exams more than ever before, including their AP and college entrance tests. Recognizing this shift, high schools are rapidly integrating online testing into the daily curriculum to prepare students for these environments.
But with the rise of digital testing comes concern that students will access unapproved resources during an assessment. To address this issue, locked browser technology is used to prevent students from searching the internet, switching to other applications, accessing AI tools, taking screen captures, or using other technology to gain an unfair advantage. Once the exam begins, it is “locked down” for the duration.
The use of locked browsers during assessments also prepares students to excel in environments where web searches and AI tools aren’t permitted or appropriate – such as a college interview, or an in-class discussion. Using locked browsers with daily school assessments helps students break the habit of turning to their phone or the internet for basic answers.
Advantages of Online Testing
Teachers have long seen the benefits of online testing — automatic grading, instant feedback, a variety of question types for assessing students, reductions in paper waste, and more.
Fortunately, robust examination tools are available in Learning Management Systems (LMSs) such as Canvas or Schoology. Not only does online testing prepare students for college entrance exams, it prepares students for college itself. Online testing is ubiquitous in higher education, with students taking online exams in classrooms, testing centers, or from off-campus locations. Automated proctoring systems are also used widely at universities for both remote exams and in campus testing centers.
LockDown Browser for Canvas and Schoology
Respondus' LockDown Browser is the industry standard for deterring cheating during online exams. Each year hundreds of millions of online examinations are secured with LockDown Browser across thousands of colleges and K-12 districts. LockDown Browser is also included with over 70 assessment and learning platforms, such as publisher homework systems.
Using LockDown Browser with an LMS like Canvas or Schoology is easy. Once the administrator sets up the integration, a teacher simply selects the “Require LockDown Browser” setting for an exam. It takes just seconds for teachers to do this, and LockDown Browser automatically launches for students when the assessment requires it. During the exam, LockDown Browser provides a secure, cheat-proof environment that prevents students from accessing unapproved resources on their computer or device.
Students who regularly use LockDown Browser for assessments become comfortable with a controlled testing environment. Over time, they develop digital test-taking strategies and learn to navigate the system effortlessly. This consistent exposure helps reduce anxiety and increases confidence when they face similar tools in high-stakes college exams.
Getting Started
The LockDown Browser integration for Canvas and Schoology is available for Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and iPads. Devices may be managed by the school, owned by students (BYOD), or both.
School districts or high schools are encouraged to set up a free 2-month trial so teachers and students can use it with real assessments. Learn more about LockDown Browser here or to start a conversation with Respondus send a note to [email protected].
