If you’re planning to go to college, some facilities require the use of the Respondus LockDown Browser. This application is believed to aid in anti-cheating methods that some students use for online activities. But how does it work, and does it affect your computer?
Well, for the most part, LockDown is relatively safe to install. However, it can be quite a pain if you’re a freelancer and need certain tools to be active most of the time.
Yet, LockDown provides a distraction-free element to help you focus on schoolwork.
What is the Respondus LockDown Browser?
If you’re attending some of the more sophisticated online classes that use a learning management system (LMS), you might be required to use the Respondus LockDown Browser. This is a web browser that forces you to shut down certain applications while removing specific functions to prevent cheating.
In fact, LockDown will also fill additional monitors attached to your computer with blue screens that you’re unable to move or close.
The idea is to create an environment that makes cheating a lot harder on desktop and laptop computer systems. That means you won’t be able to access any program or function that could be used to cheat on assignments, quizzes, or tests.
The software is available from your school through a licensing deal from Respondus. It’s not something you can simply download and use on your computer.
According to Respondus, the LockDown Browser integrates with the school’s LMS. For instance, the University of Colorado uses Canvas while Southern New Hampshire University uses Brightspace. Both are supported by LockDown.
Unfortunately, LockDown disables taking screenshots. That means I can’t really show you what it looks like outside of taking a picture of my monitor with my phone.
The reason why the header image appears a bit bent is that I have a curved monitor.
What to Expect from the LockDown Browser
The browser will disable a slew of programs and functions to ensure that you’re not trying to cheat or gain an advantage. That means everything from Alt-Tab to screenshotting will be removed from your computer temporarily.
Once you close LockDown, you can then reload all of your programs. However, the functions of the computer itself will automatically resume normally.
In my case, the LockDown Browser:
- Disabled copy-and-paste
- Shut down Slack (I use it for clients)
- Closed Lightshot (I use it for taking screenshots)
- Closed Steam (probably because of forums)
- Shut down Discord (I use it for chatting with authors)
I don’t mind closing some of these down for the most part. But as a freelancer who is in constant contact with clients for when they need help, shutting down Slack is quite an inconvenience. Usually, I forget to turn it back on when I’m done.
Since LockDown doesn’t store personal data or passwords, you’ll have to enter your credentials every time you launch the browser. If you have a long and advanced password, this can be quite the pain in the ass. And because you can’t copy-and-paste, you can’t copy the password from something like Google Chrome to paste it into LockDown.
Not having access to your desktop also means that any files you need for your class need to be saved beforehand. For instance, if you needed to write a 500-word paper and upload it to Canvas, make sure it’s already saved before launching LockDown.
Is LockDown Browser Safe to Use?
Generally speaking, yes, LockDown is safe to use. However, some have complained that issues have arisen after using the browser, such as exhausting CPU usage or causing consistent “blue screens of death.” Yet, most computer science majors and tech-savvy folks have discredited many of these claims while providing detailed explanations as to why it’s safe.
It seems that most people who complain about Respondus are simply upset that they can’t use various programs during school time. But that is just speculation and opinion. I cannot prove any of that, so take it with a grain of salt.
As I’ve worked with a school district, I can say that most of our complaints were from kids who couldn’t play games or watch YouTube. We didn’t have LockDown, but we used a similar program to manage the entire network.
The Respondus LockDown Browser has the ability to record your screen, audio, and video, but only if enabled by the instructor, and you must grant permission. That way, the instructors can see what you’re doing during specific exams. Nonetheless, you need to agree to LockDown monitoring your screen. It does not do this automatically.
Some might feel that this is an invasion of privacy, but in reality, it’s no different than if you were attending class in person. Just make sure your background is cleaned up if you don’t want to broadcast your workspace.
So far, I haven’t had a single issue with Respondus LockDown Browser. My only complaint is that I have to remember to turn Slack back on so I can work. Aside from that, LockDown does exactly what it was designed to do.
Why Allow Audio and Video Access?
A lot of folks will balk at the idea of allowing video and audio access to their homes from LockDown Browser. However, it’s one of the few ways instructors can deter cheating remotely.
For example, what’s to stop you from loading up a laptop, tablet, or phone next to you while taking a test? LockDown can stop you from opening a new window to look something up, but it can’t stop you from setting a tablet next to your keyboard.
Too many people will cheat if given the opportunity. And no instructor wants to give a passing grade to someone who hasn’t earned it. Passing someone despite poor performance doesn’t do that person nor society any good.
In some ways, you could be setting someone up for failure, especially if they don’t have the knowledge to complete certain tasks.
From what I’ve gathered, though, most instructors don’t even use this function except in the case of important quizzes or finals. So, it’s not like someone is constantly watching you every moment of the day.
Why I Don’t Cheat in the First Place
I’ve never been one to cheat on just about anything. I don’t even cheat in video games. Sure, sometimes I’ll use a code when I’m just messing around in a game. But that’s only after I’ve beaten the game.
I don’t even accept gifts of powerful items in RPGs from other players. I’d rather earn it myself by either crafting it or earning it through the questline.
The reason why I don’t cheat is that doing so would only cheat myself. What have I learned if I am copying answers or quickly looking something up before answering a question? Getting the answer wrong is a great learning tool to prevent it from happening again.
That is as long as you’re willing to learn from the mistake.
I would rather earn my keep than have it given to me. Cheating would take away from the accomplishment and lessen the impact it has on self-confidence and pride.
In other words, the accomplishment doesn’t mean squat to me if I had to cheat to win. I’m not in it for the accolades from others. I continuously learn as a method of self-improvement.
A Distraction-Free Workspace Helps
Although I am a bit put off by the fact that my work is put on pause, I like the idea of a distraction-free workspace. I find that I am far more focused on the work and less likely to get sidetracked by something on YouTube or notifications from social media.
Well, as long as I put away my phone, that is. LockDown Browser cannot affect other devices, so you still need to demonstrate restraint.
If you’re planning on going to a reputable college to earn a degree in creative writing, you should expect to use software similar to LockDown Browser. It may be a pain at first, but it can be a useful tool when you’re working hard to earn your degree.
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