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Fall 2009 Laptop Exams

Following is a list of courses for Fall 2009 that will offer the option of laptop use for the final exam. If your exam(s) appear on this list and you are interested in electing the laptop option, please proceed to the general information and instructions that follow. The enrollment period for laptop use opens on November 23, 2009 and remains open through December 22, 2009

Please read the instructions carefully. You must sign and turn in a waiver form to the Records Office by December 2nd, 2009.

Exams with Laptop Option - Fall 2009

 

Exam Software Instructions

Exam Software Information, Instructions, and Waiver Form PDF file

During the Fall 2009 exam period, students enrolled in the courses listed above will be given the option of taking their final exam on their personal laptop by installing exam software product for PCs called ExamSoft SofTest. The Law School does not currently support the use of this software on Mac computers, with the exception of the Intel-based MacBook and MacBook Pro systems running Windows XP (w/ Service Pack 2 or 3), Vista or Windows 7 installed as a separate partition using Boot Camp Assistant. NOTE: Apple includes Boot Camp in the Leopard operating system. For more information, see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1461.

ExamSoft's SofTest software allows students to type their exam answers for closed-computer exams while preventing access to the computer hard drive or outside sources. For open-computer exams, the software allows access to other files and programs outside SofTest but still automatically saves the typed answers in an encrypted format. Also, open exams do not allow the user to copy-and-paste text from another program into SofTest. The software frequently backs up the entire exam file. At the completion of the exam, the SofTest program will automatically upload the exam answer file to a secure server using the Internet.

This semester, the ExamSoft download, registration and download of templates will remain open throughout the exam period. All students interested in using their laptop for exams should download the latest version of SofTest at the start of each academic year. You will, however, be required to turn in the Waiver Form by the December 2nd deadline. You should allow yourself enough time to complete the registration and download process well before your first exam since exams will start on time. Follow the attached instructions for downloading ExamSoft software and exam files onto your laptop. If you decide to use EXAMSOFT on your laptop for one or more exams YOU MUST COMPLETE 4 STEPS before your exam:

STEP 1: Download the ExamSoft software from: www.examsoft.com/masonlaw
From the “Exam Taker” tab, and complete all steps to create a new account, then download and install the software. You must download the latest version, even if you have previously used Examsoft for exams.

STEP 2:Register to use SofTest.
After installing SofTest, launch the software and enter your user ID and password to register. Note: Since your registration will result in a fee being charged to GMUSL, you should only register if you fully intend to use your laptop for your exam(s).

After registering SofTest,you will receive a registration confirmation email from support@examsoft.com and the registration number along with the registration date will be recorded. Additionally, when SofTest is launched, the Start Window will indicate that your “Registration” is “Complete”. You may also visit www.examsoft.com/masonlaw and select “Exam Takers,” then “Confirm Reservation.” When you register, be sure to enter your email address correctly. Very important information is sent to your e-mail account by Examsoft including confirmations messages of successful and unsuccessful uploads of exams.

STEP 3: Download your blank exam file(s).
Next, you need to download a blank exam file for EACH ExamSoft exam you will be taking. After registering the software, you should see a dialog box asking you to download exams. Click “Yes” to proceed and then click “Download Exam Files.”

Use your ExamSoft ID and password to log in and leave the “download password” field blank. Choose all the exams you want to download (press the <CTRL> key to select multiple items).

All the files are downloaded to this directory: C:\Program Files\ExamSoft\SofTest\exams

If you want to test all aspects of the software, download “MockTestFall2009” which you can take ten times. This simulates all aspects of a closed computer exam with SofTest. No password is needed for this exam. Note: These files do not contain exam questions but are blank templates. You will not be able to open an exam until you are given the password to take it on the day of the exam.

STEP 4: Print, complete and sign the waiver form and submit to Law Records Office by December 2nd, 2009.

Completing only some of these steps will not qualify you to take your exams on your laptop. If you do not complete ALL 4 STEPS of the registration process, you will have to hand-write your exams. If you have any questions or problems with registration, contact ExamSoft technical support at support@examsoft.com or call toll-free 866-429-8889.

What Must I do on Exam Day?

After completing the exam:

Power Management

During extended period of non-use, some computers may go into sleep or hibernate mode which can sometimes be difficult to exit during an exam. To adjust your Power Management settings, navigate to the Control Panel (Start/Settings/Control Panel Window 2000 - Start/Control Panel Windows XP) and select 'Power Options'.  Change the settings as listed below.

You may reset to the desired settings after your exam.

 

EXAMSOFT TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS/FEATURES:

ExamSoft SofTest requires a laptop computer with the following specifications:

PC System Requirements:

Apple Macintosh Users:

The use of older, non-Intel Macs running the Mac OS X is prohibited. In addition, the use of Windows emulators like Parallels, Virtual PC, or VMware is also prohibited.

ExamSoft SofTest Features: