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A lockdown browser alternative built on evidence, not control.
Traditional proctoring locks down the student's device and trusts an algorithm to decide what happened. Nigel asks for consent, captures evidence, and lets a person make the call.
Lockdown proctoring vs. Nigel
| Capability | Lockdown browsers | Nigel |
|---|---|---|
| Browser control | Takes over the device for the exam | Normal browser, no restrictions |
| Accessibility tools | Frequently disabled or blocked | Continue working as usual |
| Screen visibility | Forced desktop control | Voluntary, consent-based sharing |
| When something is flagged | Often auto-suspends or auto-fails | Routes to a human reviewer |
| Evidence behind a flag | Opaque suspicion score | Timestamped visual evidence |
| Room coverage | Standard webcam, ~78 degrees | 360-degree room view |
| Behavioral analysis | Common: eye movement, keystroke scoring | Never. AI sees materials, not behavior |
| Institutional requirements | One-size lockdown for every exam | Configurable policy tiers per assessment |
| Student appeals | Often an afterthought | Built into every session |
| Chromebook support | Often unsupported | Runs in a standard browser |
"Lockdown browsers" describes the traditional proctoring category broadly, not any single vendor.
Same oversight. Different mechanism.
Moving away from lockdown does not mean giving up control. Institutions still configure what each assessment requires, AI still watches for unauthorized devices, materials, and people, and every flag still reaches a human reviewer. What changes is how that control gets enforced: through consent and transparency instead of seizing the student's machine. See the full workflow on the how it works page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nigel a lockdown browser alternative?
Yes. Nigel replaces the lockdown browser model entirely. Students take assessments in their normal browser, with their accessibility tools and their own machine intact, while evidence is captured with consent for human review.
Does removing the lockdown mean weaker assessment integrity?
No. Institutions still configure exactly what an assessment requires, AI still monitors for unauthorized devices, materials, or people, and every flag is documented with evidence. What changes is the mechanism: enforcement through consent and transparency instead of seizing the student's machine.
Can institutions still require a distraction-free exam environment?
Yes, through consent-gated focus mode. For assessments that call for it, students choose to silence notifications and stay in the exam tab for the duration. It is a commitment the student makes, not a lockdown the platform imposes, and stepping out raises a flag for review instead of ending the exam.
How does this affect students with accommodations?
Because nothing is disabled at the system level, screen readers, speech-to-text tools, and other assistive technology keep working exactly as they normally would. There is no lockdown browser to conflict with them.
Is this approach designed to support FERPA-compliant use?
Nigel is designed to support FERPA-compliant institutional use, operating under the school official exception so student data stays governed by your institution's obligations. See the Trust Center for full documentation.