If you are using a Windows or Macintosh computer, see this page instead.
To ensure a secure testing environment on Chromebooks or iPads, schools may use the Renaissance LockDown Browser (Chromebook) or the LockDown Browser App (iPad). When students are taking a test within one of these apps, they are effectively locked into the assessment environment. They will be unable to go to a different URL, access other programs, print anything, or copy/paste anything.
It is the responsibility of your school network's IT department to make sure the apps are installed on the necessary testing computers and to ensure they are kept up-to-date.
If you are not sure if your school network requires the use of a secure browser, please contact your Star or Renaissance administrator.
The Student Experience
When using the Chromebook extension, students use their regular web browser to log into Renaissance; once they select a tile to begin a Star Assessment, the Renaissance LockDown Browser will open in a new window, and they will take the assessment in that window.
When using the iPad app, students will use their regular web browser to log into Renaissance; once they select a tile to begin a Star assessment, the LockDown Browser will open in a new window, and they will take the assessment in that window.
Installing and Enabling the Chromebook Renaissance LockDown Extension
- Open the Chrome web browser on your Chromebook and go to https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/renaissance-lockdown-brow/gnpjfmaddagncjkeclepmlgdpdpcphoe.
- On the Renaissance LockDown Browser page, select Add to Chrome.
- In the pop-up window, select Add extension.
- When the extension is done being installed, you will see the following confirmation message; select the in the upper-right corner to close it.
- Make sure the extension is active by selecting the three-dot menu in the web browser and then selecting Extensions > Manage Extensions. On the Renaissance LockDown Browser panel, make sure the switch is toggled on.
When a student is in a class that is required to use a secure browser (based on the setting of the Secure Browser Preference), after they log in and select a tile to begin a Star assessment, the Renaissance LockDown Browser will open, and the student will take the assessment in that browser window. When the assessment is done, the student will see a message telling them that their LockDown browser session has ended.
The student selects Continue to close the LockDown Browser and return to the Renaissance Welcome page.
Installing and Enabling the iPad LockDown Browser App
To download and install the iPad app, visit https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lockdown-browser/id659101775.
Questions? Need Help?
If you have questions or need help with the installation, please use Live Chat, call +44 (0)20 7184 4000, or contact us at uksupport@renaissance.com.
Chromebook™ notebook computer is a trademark of Google LLC.
iPad® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.