The Ultimate Guide to Piloting LockDown Browser: Best Practices and Insights

In an increasingly digital educational landscape, securing online exams is more crucial than ever. LockDown Browser, a tool designed to enhance the integrity of online assessments, has become a vital resource for institutions worldwide. To ensure a successful implementation, running a well-planned pilot is essential. This guide explores key strategies and expert advice for conducting a pilot of LockDown Browser, ensuring your institution maximizes its benefits.

Why a Pilot is Essential for LockDown Browser Implementation

Before fully adopting LockDown Browser, a pilot program allows you to test the software in real-world conditions. This trial run helps identify any potential issues, gathers feedback from key stakeholders, and ensures that the software meets your institution’s specific needs. Conducting a pilot not only minimizes disruptions but also provides valuable data to support decision-making and long-term implementation.

Five Key Considerations for a Successful LockDown Browser Pilot

Here, we answer some of the most common questions about piloting LockDown Browser, offering insights drawn from years of experience and feedback from educational institutions.

1) Is There a Limit to Pilot Participants?

There is no strict limit on the number of participants for a LockDown Browser pilot. However, rather than rolling it out to a large group, it’s more effective to start with a small, focused cohort. Selecting 3-5 instructors who are open to experimenting with new technology and providing detailed feedback can make the pilot more manageable and insightful. These instructors can act as early adopters, offering valuable insights and advocating for the software among their peers.

2) When is the Optimal Time to Conduct a Pilot?

Timing is crucial for a successful pilot. Based on industry best practices, it’s recommended to run the pilot during an active academic term, where the software can be tested in live classes. This approach allows you to observe how the software performs under real conditions, with actual students and exams. Additionally, ensure that you have identified and confirmed the participation of instructors before starting the pilot. This pre-planning phase prevents delays and ensures that the pilot runs smoothly from the outset.

3) How Do Users Access LockDown Browser During the Pilot?

Access to LockDown Browser during the pilot is straightforward. The first step involves integrating the software with your institution’s Learning Management System (LMS), whether it’s Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, or Brightspace. Detailed instructions for this integration are available in the administrator’s guide. Once the integration is complete, instructors can enable LockDown Browser for specific exams through the LMS settings. Students will access the software via a unique download link provided by your institution, available for both Windows and Mac users.

4) What Training is Required for Instructors?

LockDown Browser is designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal training for instructors. Typically, instructors only need to enable the LockDown Browser setting for exams where it’s required. Most institutions direct instructors to the training resources available on the LockDown Browser tool’s welcome page, which includes demo videos, Quick Start Guides, and other helpful materials. For those seeking more in-depth knowledge, the LockDown Browser section of the Respondus website offers a comprehensive range of training resources.

5) What Happens After the Pilot?

One of the advantages of LockDown Browser is the seamless transition from a pilot to a full implementation. The software used during the pilot is identical to the full licensed version, meaning no additional changes are required. Both the client install on users’ computers and the integration with your LMS will continue to function without interruption. The only adjustment needed is on the server side, where Respondus will update the license to ensure continued operation beyond the pilot period.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for a Successful LockDown Browser Pilot

Running a pilot for LockDown Browser is a strategic move that can greatly benefit your institution. By carefully selecting participants, choosing the right timing, and providing adequate support, you can ensure a smooth and effective pilot. The insights gained during this period will be invaluable as you move towards full implementation, ultimately enhancing the security and integrity of your online assessments.

For more detailed information on starting a 2-month pilot of LockDown Browser, or to discuss any specific needs your institution might have, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Respondus Account Manager. They can provide tailored advice and support to help you get the most out of this essential tool.

Enhancing Your Pilot with Interactive Elements

Consider incorporating feedback forms, live Q&A sessions, or interactive tutorials during the pilot to gather real-time insights and address any concerns promptly. Additionally, providing a platform for instructors to share their experiences can foster a collaborative environment, leading to a more successful and informed implementation.

Visual Aids and Resources

To further support the pilot, consider creating infographics or step-by-step guides that visually explain the process of setting up and using LockDown Browser. These resources can be shared with both instructors and students, making the pilot phase smoother and more accessible.