FTT - Lockdown Browser

Using LockDown Browser With Assessments In Schoology (Updated 09/21)

@LisaBerghoff\@MrKimDHS

Since the beginning of time, teachers have been searching for ways to prevent their student from cheating. This is not a new phenomena.  I went to school in the 80s. The only technology we had was a basic calculator. And yet, we found ways to cheat.  With the increased use and availability of technology,  combined with the increased pressure on students to do well, there are increased opportunities for dishonest behavior. 

While this post is about a specific tool that we have to help combat cheating, I wanted to first take a moment to discuss some additional measures that are not technology related that may actually have a greater impact on curbing cheating. I have not done the research on this but I might have to because it's fascinating, and also because I really do think I'm onto something here.

1. Know Your Students- And Do A Little Show And Tell

If you take the time to get to know your students, establish relationships with them, and talk with them about the importance of academic honesty, they will be less likely to cheat. Explain very clearly what constitutes cheating and what the consequences are. It may seem obvious, but sometimes just bringing it up helps students to rethink their behavior. Give examples and stories of some of the things you have seen to let them know that you take academic dishonesty seriously. 

2. Give Them Time and Tools

Students who are well prepared don't need to cheat. Especially this early in the school year, you should feel comfortable to let your students know when an assessment is coming. You should also include information about how to prepare for the assessment. Again, don't assume that they know. They are navigating many teachers, personalities, and policies. Throw them a bone and let them come into the assessment feeling more confident in themselves than in their classmates.

3. Rethink The Types Of Assessments You Give

I know this is a hot button item and I am not saying to redo all of your assessments. I am simply asking you to consider the types of assessments you give and whether or not they are more or less conducive to cheating. For example, have you been giving the same assessment for the past 4 years? 6 years? 8 years? This is a great time to do an audit of your assessments. See what needs to be updated, changed, or adjusted. Also, you can consider the stakes. If an assessment is high stakes, there will be greater likelihood that students will cheat. I spoke to one teacher who genuinely just wanted to know what her students knew at the end of a unit. She gave an assessment but told her students the grade would not go in the gradebook. There was no reason for those students to cheat and she got the data she needed to continue planning her lessons.

Thanks for listening! Now, let's learn about Lockdown Browser.

You may have used Lockdown Browser before and if you have, keep reading because the way students access it has changed. If you have not used Lockdown Browser, it is an extension that works with Schoology so that when enabled, a student cannot open any new tabs, navigate away from the assessment, take screenshots, etc. It essentially locks the student into the testing environment. Here's how it works.

In Schoology, after you have created your assessment, navigate to where it says Lockdown Browser on the left side of the screen.

When you click LockDown Browser you will get a screen that has an introduction, resources, video tutorials, guides and support. It even has instructions for students.

When you click Continue To LockDown Browser you will see all of your assessments. Click on one to enable by choosing settings.

From here you can choose to require LockDown Browser and set the settings how you want them. I highly recommend clicking where it says "explain" next to each option as it can have a big impact on your students' experience.

Here is what is new!

For students, they will go to Schoology and click on the assessment, then they will click the LockDown Browser extension. They no longer need to shut down their chromebooks. The extension has already been added for them. 

If you are new to using LockDown Browser I highly suggest making a practice assessment to try it out with your classes first. Students may be stressed about taking an assessment and using LockDown Browser for the first time is probably not going to help. Remove this barrier by giving them experience with the tool before it matters. Make a 2 question quiz and ask something silly. Then enable LockDown Browser and have them test it out so you can work out any bugs beforehand.

As always, we are here to help!