The latest versions of Google Chrome include the Google Lens browser overlay. Pitched as part of enhanced Google Search functionality, Lens uses photos and screenshots of web pages as search prompts. If a user is logged into Chrome with their Google Account and the browser detects a Canvas course, the “Google Lens” button in the URL bar (upper right of the browser app) is re-labeled “Homework Help.”
As of September 9, 2025, Google’s description of the Lens tool—and documentation of how the Homework Help feature works—is unhelpful and incomplete, reflecting their priority for student attention rather than improved learning.
What is the impact?
The on-page browser overlay makes it easy to get quiz questions answered one at a time. The feature appears to be accurately answering general knowledge multiple choice questions and solving math problems, but less so with matching and open-ended questions. Chrome is among the most popular web browsers, used by over 40% of Emory’s Canvas users on any given day, guaranteeing that it will be seen by many of our students. The option pops up prominently while students are in their Canvas courses, making it more convenient for students to use than other search and LLM tools.
Can I mitigate this with technology? What should I do now?
Creating quizzes that require Lockdown Browser (an alternative web browser that limits other student activities) is a partial mitigation because it will prevent students from using Chrome. However, Lockdown Browser (LDB) can only be used with Canvas Quizzes not with Assignments, Discussions, or other course activities. Additionally, LDB does not prevent users from accessing other devices in a remote proctoring situation.
The only true mitigation is a proctored testing environment. In general, thoughtful pedagogical changes will be needed to counter nominally AI-based cheating tools such as “Homework Help.”
Make an appointment with us if you’d like help setting up Quizzes in Lockdown Browser or email us at classes [at] emory [dot] edu with any questions.
Gradient image by Codioful (Formerly Gradienta) on Unsplash