2011-12 Faculty of Law Computer Exams

1. Request for a Computer Exam
2. Fee Policy
3. Exceptions to the Pilot Project
4. Pre-Exam Registration Process
5. Pre-Exam Tips and Questions

• Exam Instructions for Laptop Users

6. Exam Day
7. Technical Issues
8. Contacts for Exam Administration Issues
9. Winter 2012 Exam Schedule
10. Winter 2012 Computer Exam Schedule  (Showing Rooms)
11. 2011-12 Information Notes

What is Examsoft?

Examsoft Worldwide Inc. is a software developer specializing in computerized assessment and assessment administration programs.

What is SofTest from Examsoft?

SofTest is an assessment program developed and licensed by Examsoft that enables exam takers to securely take examinations downloaded to their own laptop computers by blocking access to files, programs and the Internet during an exam.

What is FlexSite?

FlexSite is Examsoft's internet-based exam delivery option. Using SofTest, you will download the exam prior to the exam day and upload your answers at the end of the exam via the internet. You will not have internet connectivity during the exam. You will require internet connectivity to download your exam and upload your answers.

Will SofTest work on my laptop?

PC System Requirements:

• CPU = 1 GHz Pentium III or Industry Equivalent
• RAM = 1 GB
• Drives = 50 MB of free space 
• Operating System = English 32-bit Versions of Windows XP, 32-bit and 64-bit Versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. SofTest cannot be used in virtual operating systems.
• Software = Internet Browser 
• Internet Access for SofTest Installation, Exam Download and Upload 
• AOL Users - Version 6.0 or higher required 
• Screen Resolution must be 1024x768 or higher

Mac Requirements

In order to use SofTest on your Apple Macbook or Macbook Pro natively, you must have:

• CPU = Intel processor
• RAM = 512 MB
• Drives = 50 MB or higher free disk space
• Operating System = MAC OS X 10.5.8 or higher (Leopard or Snow Leopard)
• Software = Internet connection for downloading/uploading exams

It is not possible to take secure exams through a virtual operating system such as Microsoft's Virtual Machine, Parallels or VMware, VMware Fusion or any other virtual operating system environment. Although SofTest can be installed and registered on virtual platforms, it will only be enabled for non-secure Practice Exams.

 

1. Request for a Computer Exam

To use  your own laptop, either a PC or Mac for the exam, you must complete a Request Formand hand it in to the Student Services at the due date printed on the form. Students can choose to complete and submit the Request Form to type the practice exam using their own PC laptop Or MAC laptop.

Students who do not complete the Request form and/or do not register with SofTest will be required to handwrite the exam as usual through the Central Exams Office.

2. Fee Policy

The Faculty of Law is charging an annual fee of $25 to each student who registers to participate in the Computer Exams Project for exams in course registrations included in the project for the 2011-12 academic year. This fee is a small portion of the costs for the SofTest licensing fees and the administrative costs for the project.

A. There is a single charge of $25 per student per academic year. If you are writing more than one exam you will be charged the $25 fee only once.

B. The fee is payable in cash only. Please bring exact change and pay Nancy Leake in the Student Services Office, Room 200B. Nancy can be reached by email at leaken@queensu.ca or by telephone at ext. 74248.

C. Even if you are registered with SofTest, you can change your mind and choose to handwrite the exam. Therefore, if you have registered and decide to handwrite the exam, contact Patti Evans at evansp@queensu.ca or tel. 613.533.6000 ext. 75132 as soon as possible. There will be no refund after you have registered with SofTest.

D. If you have changed your mind about participating before you have registered with SofTest, then you may obtain a refund of the fee paid. Please contact Nancy Leake at leaken@queensu.ca or by telephone at ext. 74248.

E. Students with demonstrated financial need may request a fee waiver using the Fee Waiver form. A student who files a fee waiver form must consent to having financial need verified by the Queen’s University Student Awards Office.

3. Exceptions to the Pilot Project

Students with a documented disability who require exam accommodations were supposed to arrange required exam accommodations with Disability Services by the required deadline for the exams through the standard process. See http://www.queensu.ca/calendars/law/Disability_Accommodation.html.

Other students whose recommendations for accommodation entail extended time but not use of a computer, must continue to write using the procedures set in place by the central Exams process.

Exchange students with language based exam accommodations may not participate in the computer use project.  They should use the procedures and schedule provided by the central Exams Office.

4. Pre-Exam Registration Process

After completing and submitting the Request Form, students must register as an Exam-Taker with Examsoft on-line at the Queen's Custom Home Page at https://www.examsoft.com/qufl

The Registration Process involves the 3 steps needed to acquire SofTest.

Step 1: Sign-up - Enter your first name and last name, email address, Student Number and password.

Step 2: Download SofTest - Downloading of SofTest takes minutes on high speed internet connections and 30 - 60 minutes on dial-up connections.

Step 3: Register SofTest - (I minute) Once registered, you will be notified on screen that you have completed the process and you will also receive a confirmation email to the address you provided in Step1. BRING THIS PASSWORD TO THE EXAM.

Note that you must register SofTest 5 days prior to your exam date or you will be required to handwrite the exam on the scheduled exam date through the Central Exams Office.

If you have any questions or issues with registration, contact ExamSoft technical support at support@examsoft.com or call toll-free 866.429.8889.

5. Pre-Exam Tips and Questions

Can I practice using SofTest before the exam?

Yes. After registering SofTest, launch the program by double-clicking the SofTest icon on your desktop. Click the "Take an Exam" button. On the SofTest Start Window, select the "Practice Exam" button. This enables you to familiarize yourself with the SofTest exam environment. You may use the Practice Exam as many times as you wish. Note that the Practice Exam cannot be saved, cannot be used until SofTest is registered, but can be printed during the exam.

What Should I do Prior to Exam Day?

Register SofTest on the computer you intend to use on exam day by the deadline.

• Ensure:
  
  1. that your PC or Mac meets the specifications listed on the back of the Computer Exam Request Form and shown below.
  2. that there is plenty of free hard drive space,
  3. that your computer is virus free, and
  4. that your computer is free of disk errors by running SCANDISK (click Start Button, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scandisk or Disk Cleanup).

 

• Once you have installed and registered SofTest, familiarize yourself with the software by utilizing the built-in Practice Exam.
• SofTest's opening screen asks for an ID#. You will need to use your Queen's student number in this ID field.
• Locate your A/C - battery power indicator light on your laptop to determine which light indicates you are running on A/C power (i.e. power from a wall outlet).
• Ensure that your battery has at least 20 minutes of charge in it prior to the exam in the event there is a temporary power outage.

If you encounter issues in your use of SofTest, visit http://www.examsoft.com/main/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=83.

6. Exam Day - arrive no later than 1/2 hour before the scheduled exam time.

• Report to designated room in Macdonald Hall.

You will be notified of your exam location a minimum of 2 days prior to your exam.

The exam rooms will be staffed with a proctor who will distribute the Exam question papers. The proctors will provide the password which will allow typers access to the exam. There will be some technical staff on hand to address any technical issues that arise for students using computers.

If technical issues cannot be addressed successfully quickly (5 minutes or less), typers must start to handwrite the rest of their exam answers. No extra writing time will be allocated.

Students will NOT have access to spell/grammar check if they choose to type their exams, as this parallels the situation for students handwriting their exams.

Exam Day Tips

What Must I do on Exam Day?

• Bring your Queen's Photo ID card, as it is required for identification.
• Bring your power cord, battery (in the event of power loss), and an extension cord. If you normally use an external keyboard and mouse or if you need earplugs, you may bring those as well.
• To download exams users must have the Queen's Student Number and password (send to you by SofTest) used to register SofTest.
• Arrive to the exam room at least 30 minutes early, plug your computer into a power outlet, turn on the computer and follow the instructions provided.
• Do not uninstall SofTest until you receive your exam grading or feedback.
• Immediately before SofTest launches the exam, you will be provided a warning screen with RED STOP SIGNS indicating that you should not begin the exam until instructed to do so. Heed this warning.
• Exams will not be delayed or suspended due to computer problems.
• During the exam, use care when highlighting and deleting.
• Students who do not take the time to become familiar with their laptop computer or with word processing functions, should consider handwriting their exams. No administrative relief will be granted for incorrect use of the software.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE COMPUTER ISSUES ON YOUR OWN. Ask for assistance from the proctor.
• ANY ATTEMPT TO DISABLE OR TAMPER WITH SOFTEST'S SECURITY FEATURES WILL BE CONSIDERED A VIOLATION OF THE STUDENT HONOR CODE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT AND THE SOFTEST SOFTWARE AND INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY EXAMSOFT ON ITS WEBSITE PRIOR TO THE START OF YOUR EXAM. PLEASE ALLOW YOURSELF SUFFICIENT TIME TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH YOUR LAPTOP AND THE APPLICATION. COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAM WILL NOT BE DELAYED DUE TO A HARDWARE PROBLEM WITH YOUR LAPTOP.

All students writing their exams on computers are required to have a Queen's Student Number. Laptop users must have preconfigured wireless internet access for use in Macdonald Hall. For instructions, please see http://www.queensu.ca/its/start/student.html.

7. Technical Issues

Students who encounter technical difficulties while installing the SoftTest software should contact ExamSoft technical support directly at toll-free 1-866-429-8889 or support@examsoft.com .

After installing SofTest on your laptop, Queen's Information Technology Services (ITS) advise that you do not load any additional software until after you have finished your exam. Refraining from installing software after you install SoftTest will help you avoid potential software conflicts.

If you have installation problems that ExamSoft technical support is unable to solve, you should contact the Student Services office as soon as possible,
See also the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) found under the Exam Takers page of the website www.examsoft.com/qufl is very comprehensive and should be consulted first if you experience problems.

8. Contacts for Exam Administration Issues

Patti Evans, Student Services
Macdonald Hall Room 200
evansp@queensu.ca
Phone: (613) 533-6000 ext. 75132

Aimee Burtch
Macdonald Hall, Room 402
a.burtch@queensu.ca
Phone:  (613) 533-6000 ext. 79005

Jane Emrich, Assistant Dean of Students
Macdonald Hall, Room 200
jane.emrich@queensu.ca
Phone: (613) 533-6000 ext. 74283