Respondus Lockdown Browser
- University-supported program that limits student access to websites or applications outside of Carmen when logged in for a test or quiz.
- Requires students to access Canvas and their exam directly within the Lockdown Browser.
- Has features that enable access to instructor-chosen web pages; includes a calculator for students.
- The Teaching & Learning Resource Center offers details for both basic and advanced use of the Lockdown Browser.
- The Carmen team and COAM strongly recommend using Lockdown Browser for all proctored in-person exams administered via Carmen. Exams without the use of Lockdown Browser are often compromised because of the pervasive use of outside resources.
Lockdown Browser, Contract Cheating, and AI applications
Lockdown Browser is effective at thwarting online “contract cheating” services and AI-powered applications that students may use to subvert exam security. Yet it may not detect such services until a student logs in to Carmen to take an exam. The student will then need to take time and specific actions to regain access to the exam.
Banning and Blocking
When Lockdown Browser encounters programs that could be used for contract cheating or to bring in “invisible” AI resources, it responds by banning the student account or blocking Lockdown Browser from opening on the computer in question. Bans and blocks require different actions from the student and from the Carmen technical staff. If a student gets banned or blocked, that in itself is not sufficient evidence that cheating has occurred, so the following instructions are intended to help the student continue to take the exam.
- Instructors and proctors may encounter students who are unable to access the online exam because they have been banned or blocked. The first sign of this might be a student repeatedly being dropped out of a Lockdown Browser-secured exam.
- Banning the student account means that until the situation is remedied, the student will not be able to use Lockdown Browser, even if they change devices.
- To clear a ban, students must work with the Carmen team to have their access reinstated by emailing carmen@osu.edu. Students will not be able to take any exam using Lockdown Browser until the ban is removed.
- Blocking means that the device has a program that interferes with Lockdown Browser. Students will not be able to use Lockdown Browser until the conflicting program is removed.
- When students are blocked, Lockdown Browser notifies them of the program that triggered the block.
- Students can un-install the problem program to regain access via that device; or
- Log in via a device without the program installed.
- When students are blocked, Lockdown Browser notifies them of the program that triggered the block.
Conducting a Lockdown Browser-enabled practice quiz in advance of a high-stakes exam enables students to experience the program. A practice quiz may also reveal the presence of a ban or block before the exam itself.
What should instructors do if a student experiences a ban or block?
- To ensure participation in the assessment, you should also have paper copies of the exam available for students with computer issues.
- If a student is blocked and has another device, consider allowing the student to use that device to complete the exam.
- If addressing these issues has taken up exam time, consider allowing the student to make up the exam in another proctored environment.
- Please remember that the presence of a ban or block does not establish academic misconduct. Treat the student without prejudice.
- Lockdown Browser bans cannot be resolved without involvement of the Carmen team. Blocks can be resolved by the student but may require some help or time.
- You should encourage students to reach out to the Carmen team (carmen@osu.edu) to remove the ban. If students need help removing programs that conflict with Lockdown Browser, they can contact the IT Service Desk. You can also reach out to the Carmen team to alert them that a student has had a ban.