SMOWL EXTENSION: control the exam environment with Browser Lock

Digital education and training keep evolving, and with them the need to ensure secure, controlled, and transparent assessment environments.

In this context, SMOWL EXTENSION (the browser extension developed by Smowltech) has become an essential tool for educational institutions and organizations running digital exams.

This extension enables both integrating SMOWL into the client’s platform and deploying the Browser Lock feature, which creates a secure environment within the browser during digital tests.

What is SMOWL EXTENSION?

SMOWL EXTENSION is a lightweight, secure extension for Chromium-based browsers, designed by Smowltech. Its main purpose is to provide a controlled, transparent and uninterrupted exam experience directly from the institution’s learning platform.

On one hand, it allows SMOWL to integrate with the client environment, facilitating communication between the monitoring system and the platform (such as Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas or D2L). On the other, it activates Browser Lock, preventing the user from accessing other tabs, applications or external resources during the exam.

Thanks to this extension, digital exams run inside a secure, closed environment, preserving assessment integrity without affecting device performance or user privacy.

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How does Browser Lock work?

The Browser Lock feature activates automatically when you enter the monitored exam page within your learning platform (Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, etc.).

Once started, SMOWL EXTENSION blocks access to other tabs and browser resources, preventing navigation outside the exam environment. If the user attempts unauthorized actions—such as switching tabs or opening another application—the system displays a warning and logs the incident.

The goal is not to punish but to ensure a fair and transparent assessment. All actions are logged as evidence, and the institution reviews and decides on any necessary measures.

A lightweight, secure, and easy-to-use extension

SMOWL EXTENSION is designed to offer a smooth experience without complex installations or additional software. It only requires adding the extension to Chrome or Edge and granting permissions when requested.

Its non-intrusive design and direct integration with major LMS platforms allow students to avoid advanced configurations. Simply access the exam, authorize the extension, and begin.

Additionally, Browser Lock does not collect personal information unrelated to the exam nor interfere with other system processes, thus protecting user privacy and complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

What Browser Lock controls and monitors

Browser Lock mode is meant to keep the exam within a secure environment, controlling only what’s necessary to prevent behavior that could compromise assessment integrity.

During the session, SMOWL EXTENSION monitors:

• Tab or window switching: prevents leaving the exam page.
• Opening new windows: blocks external access to the assessment environment.
• Copy, paste or screen print: disables browser commands that could be used to extract or consult information.
• Use of prohibited keyboard keys or shortcuts: detects attempts at suspicious key combinations.
• Forced close attempts: logs if there is an attempt to interrupt the exam or disable the extension.

At all times, the system acts preventively, showing visual warnings and recording evidence without abruptly interrupting the session, to maintain a smooth and secure experience.

Checklist before starting your exam with SMOWL EXTENSION

Before starting your assessment with Browser Lock, make sure you complete these steps to avoid technical issues:

1. Use a compatible browser: Chrome or Edge (both Chromium-based).
2. Install SMOWL EXTENSION from the official link provided by your institution or directly from your learning platform.
3. Grant the browser permissions when prompted (choose “Always allow”).
4. Avoid additional extensions that might interfere with Browser Lock.
5. Do not close the exam window or open new tabs during the session.
6. Check your internet connection before starting to avoid unexpected disconnections.
7. Review your institution’s instructions, as there may be additional rules specific to the exam.

Following these steps will help you start the test without problems and ensure the system works correctly.

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Steps to download and install SMOWL EXTENSION

To set up the SMOWL browser extension, follow these simple steps:

Download the extension

You can download SMOWL EXTENSION directly from the Chrome Web Store.

Click “Add to Chrome” to install it in your browser.

Install and enable the extension

1. In your browser, click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Extensions” and then “Manage extensions.”
3. Find SMOWL EXTENSION and make sure it is enabled.
4. Once the exam is finished, if you wish you can remove it by clicking “Remove.”

Update the extension

The extension updates automatically each time you open the browser.
If you prefer to update manually:

1. Go to “Extensions > Manage extensions.”
2. Click the “Update” button in the top-left (this will update all installed extensions).
3. If the update doesn’t complete, remove the extension and reinstall it from the Chrome Store.

With these steps, your extension will be ready to use and keep your exam environment under control.

Compatible browsers

SMOWL EXTENSION is compatible with Chromium-based browsers, ensuring a smooth and secure experience. Supported browsers are:

• Google Chrome ✅ (recommended)
• Microsoft Edge ✅ (recommended)
• Opera
• Brave
• Vivaldi

Important: Safari and Mozilla Firefox are not supported by SMOWL EXTENSION. To guarantee proper operation, make sure to use one of the recommended browsers.

Remember: SMOWL EXTENSION does not grade or lock your system

Although Browser Lock limits browser use during the exam—e.g., preventing opening new tabs, using certain commands or leaving the activity window—SMOWL EXTENSION does not evaluate or penalize the user by itself.

Its function is to create a controlled and secure environment, recording the necessary evidence to maintain academic integrity.

In some cases, the institution may configure the extension to automatically remove the user if certain thresholds are exceeded (e.g., time away from the activity or the number of incidents). Still, these conditions are always defined in advance by the educational institution.

The extension does not access your files nor lock your operating system. Its scope is limited exclusively to the browser, guaranteeing privacy, security, and balanced control.

Frequently asked questions about SMOWL EXTENSION

What’s the difference between SMOWL CM and SMOWL EXTENSION?

SMOWL CM monitors computer activity; SMOWL EXTENSION controls browser use during the exam (Browser Lock). They are complementary tools.

Does SMOWL EXTENSION lock my computer?

No. It only restricts the browser while the exam is active.

Which browsers are supported?

Chrome and Edge, both Chromium-based.

Can I use another browser?

No. To ensure correct functioning, you must use one of the supported browsers.

What do I do if Browser Lock doesn’t activate?

Check your browser permissions, refresh the page or reinstall the extension. If the problem persists, contact your institution.

What happens if I accidentally close the exam tab?

The system will log it as an incident, but you may be able to re-enter according to your institution’s rules.

Can I install SMOWL EXTENSION on multiple devices?

Yes, but you must enable the extension and grant permissions on each device.

Does SMOWL EXTENSION access my personal data?

No. It only acts on the browser and on actions related to the exam.

Help and support

For step-by-step guides, troubleshooting or the latest updates, visit the SMOWL Help Center.

Remember: SMOWL EXTENSION with Browser Lock is designed to provide security, fairness, and confidence in digital exams without interfering with the user experience or compromising privacy.

With this quick guide, you’ll be able to prepare, install and use the extension correctly, ensuring every assessment takes place in a fair and controlled environment.