SafeExamBrowser vs NetSupport Browser

SafeExamBrowser (SEB) is a secure kiosk web browser environment used to carry out e-assessments that run on exam servers. SEB opens a web browser without an address and search bar, loads a pre-configured webpage and locks an iPad (or iPhone or iPod Touch) into an assessment kiosk mode. This mode prevents students from switching to other apps (unless additional permitted apps are configured), accessing websites and communicating with other students during an exam. SEB enables secure exams on unmanaged iOS devices like students' own iPads as well as on iOS devices owned and managed by an institution. SEB doesn't use a centralized server or cloud service; it can be configured with an API, configuration files, links and QR codes. It can be used with most web-based quiz and e-assessment systems. For improved security and usability, some exam systems provide additional built-in support for SEB. Currently, SEB integrates especially well with learning management systems (LMS) such as Moodle, OpenOlat, ILIAS and with several non-commercial and commercial exam systems, such as Inspera Assessment, Dugga, Exam.net, EvaExam and Ans. SEB uses one of the single app modes provided by iOS. After an exam is submitted, SEB can automatically end the app self-lock assessment mode (an exam invigilator could also use a quit password to end the SEB exam session and unlock the device if necessary). SEB features an optional Dock displaying buttons for various commands. Instead or in addition, a left slider menu shows a list of open browser tabs and commands which can be used to (if enabled in settings) quit an exam session, jump back to the start page of an exam, reload a web page, and navigate back/forward in the browsing history. SEB for iOS uses the same format for encrypted .seb configuration files as the SEB versions for other platforms. Those config files allow to individually configure SEB to display the start page of an exam system or an exam portal page with a list of links to current exams. If SEB for iOS is installed using a mobile device management (MDM) system, its initial configuration can easily be deployed using the "MDM Managed Configuration" feature. You can also directly start an exam with an individual configuration in SEB for iOS using a special config hyperlink. This link can be opened by examinees from Safari, Mail or a messenger app. In addition, you can use QR codes containing SEB links or even full, individual configurations. An exam can directly be started in SEB by using the iOS Camera app or the built-in QR code scanner. SEB also works together with Apple Classroom, teachers can start individually configured exams on all student devices. See https://safeexambrowser.org/ios for more information. SafeExamBrowser for iOS was developed by Daniel R. Schneider, ETH Zurich, IT Services, based on the original idea of Safe Exam Browser by Stefan Schneider, University of Giessen Project concept: Thomas Piendl, Daniel R. Schneider, Damian Büchel, Andreas Hefti, Nadim Ritter, Dirk Bauer, Michael Kern, Kai Reuter, Tobias Halbherr, Karsten Burger, Marco Lehre, Brigitte Schmucki, Oliver Rahs. Safe Exam Browser is released as freeware. The code is subject to the Mozilla Public License Version 1.1 (the "License"); you may only use these files in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at http://www.mozilla.org/MPL/ . Important parts of this project have been carried out as part of the program "AAA/SWITCH – e-Infrastructure for e-Science" led by SWITCH, the Swiss National Research and Education Network and the cooperative project "Learning Infrastructure" (part of the CRUS program "Information scientifique: accès, traitement et sauvegarde") coordinated by SWITCH, and was supported by funds from the ETH Board and the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

This mobile Browser app brings together NetSupport’s IT asset management, classroom instruction, internet safety and student safeguarding tools and is for use in your existing NetSupport DNA (v4.70 and above) and/or NetSupport School (v12 and above) environment. When launched, the app interrogates the iOS device to gather key system inventory details and monitor online activity. The data collected is dynamically sent to your local NetSupport DNA Server and is then available for reporting within the NetSupport DNA Management Console. When connected to a NetSupport School Tutor, the app also offers NetSupport’s core classroom instruction tools. NetSupport School functionality supported on Tablet only. Supported Browser features: Real-time monitoring - A DNA Console user can view a real-time summary of all devices in a detailed list view or via real-time thumbnails of each device screen. Internet metering - A full summary of internet activity is recorded and approved/restricted website lists can be employed to manage internet use. Safeguarding Keyword Monitoring (DNA Education version) – This tool helps schools protect students from being exposed to inappropriate online content. It alerts staff when students type or search for any terms that match with those in the DNA keyword database, providing safeguarding and eSafety indicators for self-harm, bullying, radicalisation - and more. Safeguarding Report a Concern (DNA Education version) - Vulnerable students can discreetly report concerns to nominated school staff. Safeguarding resources (DNA Education Version) - Provides vulnerable students with instant access to a list of appropriate online support resources. Hardware inventory - When the Browser is launched on a device, an inventory is dynamically sent to the NetSupport DNA Server. Enterprise alerting - Real-time alerts enable DNA Console operators to immediately identify any user who has attempted to access a restricted website or triggered a safeguarding keyword. Collect roaming data– The app can be configured to continue recording browser activity when the device is away from the network. The stored data being collected by the DNA Server once re-connected. Supported classroom instruction features: Student register: The teacher can request standard and custom information from each student at the start of a lesson. Lesson objectives: If provided by the teacher, once connected, students are presented with details of the current lesson along with the objectives and expected learning outcomes. Sending messages: The teacher can broadcast messages to selected devices. Chat: The student and teacher can initiate a 1:1 chat session and participate in group discussions. Request help: Students can alert the teacher when they require assistance. Lock screen – The teacher can lock the app to gain attention. Restrict Internet –The teacher can employ a list of approved/restricted websites for use during the lesson. Question and Answer module: Enables the teacher to conduct instant student and peer assessment. Deliver questions verbally to the class, then select students to answer – randomly, first to answer or in teams. Bounce questions to multiple students and ask the class to peer assess a response. Class surveys: Teachers can conduct on-the-fly surveys to gauge student knowledge and understanding. Show screen: While presenting, the teacher can show their desktop to connected devices. To learn more and to download the required components needed to complete your NetSupport DNA and NetSupport School installations please visit our website. Free 30-day trials available. With 30 years’ development expertise and a 17 million worldwide install base, NetSupport is a leading producer of educational and corporate software solutions. With our easy-to-use IT management tools, we help our customers increase productivity and security, as well as save time and money.