Can I use notes on exams?

Can I use notes on exams?

Open Course Exams:

Please note that all exams allow for "Open-Course format" at this time. This means you will have access to all course lessons and modules in Canvas while taking this assessment. However, please note that students will NOT be allowed to use practice exam questions, study guides, internet searches, or other unauthorized resources on exams. To prevent interruptions or accidentally closing your exam, please consider the following tips for smooth testing:

One Window, with Two Tabs Open: is allowed without being flagged for further review.

  • Students are allowed to have 2 tabs (within one open browser) on their computer during an in-person or online proctored exam.
    1. The first tab will show the exam questions.
    2. The second tab will show the "open course" content.
        1. The only exception would be writing resources provided on the exam itself (eg, English Composition I Final).

3x5 Notecard:

Along with the "Open-Course" Format explained above, student may also create a 3x5 Notecard that can be referenced during an exam. Meaning, courses allow students to bring in one 3x5 inch note card with handwritten notes on both the front and back of the card. This note card must be prepared ahead of time and may contain notes and information from the course. 

Note cards are designed to be used as memory tools to assist you in recalling key concepts during your exam, they are not meant to be used to cheat or otherwise circumvent the learning process. It is important to use note cards with academic integrity at the forefront; therefore, note cards may not contain questions and answers as copied directly from the “Practice Questions” or the “Study Guide” documents, or equate to any other type of answer key, and may not be written on during the exam. This card will be viewed by the proctor. If it is deemed inappropriate by the proctor at that time, the student will not be allowed to use the information on the notecard for the duration of the exam. 

Examples of appropriate note card contents:
Examples of inappropriate note card content:
  • Definitions
  • Formulas 
  • Dates or Names related to subject material
  • Mnemonics
  • Stimulus words from study guide questions and associated answers from previous quizzes
  • Answer keys 
  • Typed note cards*
    • *Typed note cards are only permitted for approved students receiving ADA Special Accommodations 

Exam Reminders:

  1. To learn more about the Open-Course Exams, please CLICK HERE. 
  2. Student CANNOT use cell phones, practice exam questions, study guides, or other internet searches during exams.
    1. Students CAN use handwritten notes on a 3x5 inch note card.
  3. All allowed exam resources must be on the same internet browser (Single Open Webpage) to prevent the exam from being flagged further reviewed. 
  4. Please be cautious about accidentally closing your open exam tab without submitting all your work. The timer will continue to count down.
    1. What to do if I accidentally disconnect from my exam?
    2. How to Troubleshoot the Honorlock Extension?
    3. Proctoring Rules and Requirements

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