What is the SMOWL browser extension?
It is a browser extension developed by Smowltech, which allows SMOWL to integrate into the client's platform on the one hand, and to deploy the functionality of the browser block on the other hand. The browser extension will allow you to perform the activity within your institution's platform.
What is SMOWL Lock browser?
The browser lock is a feature that forces the browser to full screen during the course of the exam. This full screen prevents you from browsing the internet or exiting the exam. This tool is executed through the browser extension.
The browser lock is an additional functionality. It may be the case that your institution requires you to install the browser extension but does not require the browser lock.
How do I download and install the extension?
Downloading and installation are very simple, please note the following considerations:
Download
Your institution will provide a link to add the extension in Google Chrome prior to the activity, if you have not received it you can download it here:
The next step is to add it to Chrome.
Installation
Puedes gestionar la extensión desde el menú de extensiones en la barra del navegador. Asegúrate de que está habilitada en tu navegador:
At the top right, select More -> Extensions -> Manage extensions.
In the following interface, you will see all your extensions. Enable the SMOWL extension. Once all the SMOWL activities are done, you can remove the extension by clicking on the “Remove” button.
Supported browsers
The SMOWL extension works with Chromium-based browsers, such as:
Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Opera
Brave
Vivaldi
Our recommended browser: Google Chrome.
The SMOWL extension is not compatible with Safari or Mozilla Firefox.
Problems with the extension?
The extension version is automatically updated when you access the browser, in case this does not happen, you can do the following.
Within the browser, click on the Extensions button and then click on Manage extensions.
Click on the update button at the top left (all extensions will be updated).
Another option is to remove the extension and reinstall it from the Chrome Store (explained above).
SMOWL Lock browser
This functionality will only be active if your institution requires it.
How is the extension activated during the exam?
The extension is automatically activated when a user accesses an activity within your platform.
In case the icon is red. Make sure that you are using a supported browser (such as Google Chrome), that the extension is enabled. After these checks, click on “refresh”.
What is not allowed by the extension?
During the online activity you must remain on the exam page at all times and not perform any improper actions, such as:
Opening any program.
Open a text document, PDF, spreadsheet... Etc.
Open another web browser.
Execute keyboard commands.
The extension detects this inappropriate behavior and alerts the user. Any action that can be considered improper or inappropriate is collected and compiled by SMOWL and presented to the faculty who will evaluate the user's actions.
The user has a maximum number of incidents he/she can commit. Once he exceeds the number of alerts set by his institution he will be expelled from the exam and the browser will be closed, delivering his activity in the state it was in when the closure occurs.
Once the activity has ended, or the user has been expelled from the activity, the browser extension stops working and allows the user to continue browsing the computer as usual.