Exams On Computers

Some professors allow their students to take their exams on a computer as opposed to handwriting the exam. If you opt to do so, you will be using specialized testing software called Exam4. Essentially, it is a text editor with special features to ensure stability, security and ample backups.

Prepare your Computer

There are a few things you should do to prepare your computer for the installation of the exam software:

  • Verify that you can connect to the secure wireless network (UCONN-SECURE) or the wired network at the Law School using your laptop.
    NOTE: Exam4 submissions will not work when connected to the unsecure wireless network (UConn-Public) or off-campus.
  • If you suspect that your system is infected with a VIRUS or SPYWARE, please go to the Help Desk page to get information about scanning your computer. Your laptop must be free from all problems before taking an exam.
  • Check that your computer has the latest Windows Updates. If you have a mac, make sure that the latest updates for Mac OS have been installed. Updates can be found by selecting the "Software Update" command on the Apple menu.
  • Ensure that your computer's hard disk is working properly by performing hard disk optimization or defragmentation.
    • Run SCANDISK on your computer. You can use ScanDisk to check your hard disk for logical and physical errors. ScanDisk can then repair the damaged areas. Start ScanDisk by clicking Start| Programs| Accessories| System Tools and then click ScanDisk. Be sure to select the option for a Thorough scan as opposed to the Standard scan. This may take 30-60 minutes to complete so please allow appropriate time.
    • Run DISK DEFRAGMENTER on your computer. You can use Disk Defragmenter to rearrange files and unused space on your hard disk so that programs run faster. You start Disk Defragmenter by clicking Start| Programs| Accessories| System Tools and then click Disk Defragmenter. The program may indicate that your hard drive is not significantly fragmented and does not need to be defragmented. NOTE: ALWAYS run ScanDisk on your computer before you run the Disk Defragmenter program.

Exam4 System Requirements

  • PC: Microsoft Windows Operating Systems Vista or Windows 7 (Windows XP and Windows 8 are not supported)
  • Mac: OSX 10.5 (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion) or 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
  • Network Connection/Internet access (for downloading software and exams, and uploading completed exam files)

 

Downloading and Installing Exam4

(Note: You need to download and install the program even if you have a copy from last semester.  You do NOT need to download any software for take home exams)

  • To download Exam4, go to www.exam4.com
    • Click on "Law schools" (upper left)
    • From the list, under 'C', find and click on "University of Connecticut School of Law"
    • Scroll down to complete the Registration Form. Enter your First name, Last name, Class Year and Email address (UConnLaw email).
    • Select your Operation System (Note: make sure that you select the correct version of your operation system).
    • Click on the 'Submit form' button.
    • Read the download instructions and put a check on 'Check this box...'
    • Click on the "click here to download" link to obtain the program.
  • Double-click on the downloaded file to install Exam4. Follow the prompts to install the program.


Validating Exam4

The validation process includes taking a Practice Exam.

Take a Practice Exam

  1. Make sure that your laptop is connected to the secure wireless network (UCONN-SECURE) or the wired network at the Law School.
    NOTE: Exam4 submissions will not work when connected to the unsecure wireless network (UConn-Public) or off-campus.
  2. Double-click on the Exam4 shortcut in your desktop.
  3. Screen 1: Select "Prepare to start new exam" and click Next.
  4. Screen 2: Enter the information below and click Next.
    • Exam ID: Enter your seven-digit PeoplesoftID.
    • Security Code: Enter the number 2012
    • Course: Select "F12 Practice Exam" from both lists.
  5. Screen 3: You can set some preferences (font size, alerts, etc) or leave the defaults and click Next.
  6. Screen 4: After reading the instructions, put a check on "Got it? Check here" and click Next
  7. Screen 5: Type CLOSED for exam mode, put a check on "Confirm the exam mode" and click Next.
  8. Screen 6: Confirm that all the information is correct and click on "Begin Exam".
  9. The first time that you run Exam4, it will perform a Security Check. Your screen will go blank for a few seconds. At the end of the check, you will see the exam window.
  10. You may type anything you want into the Practice Exam. There are no questions to answer in the Practice Exam. Your work will be saved automatically every 60 seconds. You may also use the "Save" option on the toolbar.
  11. When you have finished using the Practice Exam, you may exit by clicking on the "End Exam" option. In the End Exam window, put a check in "Confirm" and click on the "OK, end exam" button.
  12. In the "Save Options" window, click on "Submit Electronically". If the process fails, it is possible that your system is not connected to the school network. Please refer to step a. (above), check your connection and try it again.
  13. To close Exam4, go to "File and Save Options", select "Exit" and confirm that you wish to close the program.

If you have any problems during your Practice Exam or submitting your test, contact the Help Desk