"Require LockDown Browser" vs "Lock Students into browser" - Why both? What is the difference?

KatGorringe

Good afternoon all

I am wondering about settings in the LockDown Browser (via Safari on an iPad). Why are there both of the options shown in the image below? What does "lock students into the browser" accomplish that "requiring the LockDown browser" does not?

I usually DO NOT put a check mark in the "Lock Students…" option and my students are NOT able to leave the browser.

Help?

Thank you!

Kat Gorringe, Creighton Preparatory School

KatGorringe

Going to throw out an answer to my own question here. After some research, here is what I have:

Answer: Yes — those two settings sound similar, but they actually control two different things in LockDown Browser. Here is an article from the Respondus Support Center explaining this as well as my understanding explained below. 

1. Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam (the default, basic setting)

• This is the basic requirement setting.
• When this is checked:
  • Students must launch the quiz in LockDown Browser.
  • They cannot open it in a normal browser.
  • LockDown Browser’s standard restrictions apply: no new tabs, no copying/pasting, no other applications, no screenshots, etc. - this is important. In other words, the basic setting is enough to lock students into the browser.
• What it does not do:
  It does not prevent students from leaving the exam early or closing LockDown Browser entirely.

2. Lock students into browser until exam is completed (the Advanced Setting)

• This setting is more restrictive and is optional.
• When enabled:
  • Students cannot exit the LockDown Browser until they submit the exam.
    • The “X” (close) button is disabled.
    • They cannot force-quit without triggering a “reason for exit” dialog or instructor intervention.
  • Even if their device glitches, freezes, or they need help, the system assumes they must stay locked in
• It is designed for high-security testing environments, but it can cause issues if a student loses internet, their computer crashes, etc.
• Most teachers leave the “lock students in” option OFF. Why?
  • If a student’s computer freezes or their Wi-Fi cuts out, they may need to exit and troubleshoot.
  • Locking them in can lead to more tech headaches, especially with Chromebooks or older laptops.
  • It should be used sparingly unless you have a controlled computer-lab environment.