Open Course Exam Overview

Open Course Exam Overview

You are expected to take your exam in a quiet, secure environment free from distractions. While you may access your course materials during the exam, it’s essential to follow all exam guidelines carefully to maintain academic integrity.

Course Exam Guidelines

Overview:
1. Open-Course Exam: Our exams are open-course, meaning you'll have access to all course lessons and modules while taking the assessment.
WarningHowever, using practice exam questions, study guides, or other internet searches during the exam is strictly prohibited.
2. Tab Limitation: During exams, please keep in mind that a single window (Chrome browser) with two tabs open is allowed to prevent further interruptions and being flagged for further academic review. We use a third-party proctoring service, Honorlock, which allows us to utilize AI monitoring + live Honorlock proctors to uphold all guidelines provided in your exam module.
  1. These tabs should be opened within the same browser window. Opening additional tabs or browser windows is not permitted.
  2. Conducting internet searches or accessing websites outside of Canvas is strictly prohibited and considered a violation of academic integrity. Meaning, students cannot access outside resources or secondary screens during the exam.
  3. Students cannot minimize the test window, left-click, or use the "split-screen" function during exams.
  4. We recommend limiting/reducing the number of (allowed) identical tabs allowed during exams to maintain a strong connection. 
  5. Students should bookmark the Canvas page in case they accidentally exit the exam.
  6. For detailed setup instructions and screenshots, please refer to the Exam Expectations and Honorlock section within your exam module before getting started.
Exam-Window Example:
Tab 1: Exam Questions
Tab 2: Open Course Material
Tab 1: Exam Questions
During your exam, you may use one Chrome browser window with two tabs open. Keeping both tabs in the same browser window can help prevent interruptions and reduce the chance of your session being flagged for further academic review by our Instructional Services Team.
  • For the smoothest testing experience, open both allowed tabs before you begin the exam and connect to Honorlock.
    • Tab 1: Your exam questions
    • Tab 2: Your allowed "open course" content

Tab 2: Open Course Material
The second tab will display the approved "open course" content.
  1. Important reminders: Both permitted tabs must remain open within the same browser window and on one device only. Using a different browser window or another device may cause the exam to be paused and flagged in Honorlock for further academic review.
  2. Be careful to immediately return to your exam if you accidentally close the exam tab before clicking Submit or before completing all required selections. The time will not pause once a exam begins.
3. Study Guide and Practice Questions: We encourage you to utilize all corresponding study guides and practice questions to prepare for your course's exams.
  1. In your course, these are located in the exams section titled "Study Tips".
4. Timed Exam: All exams have a 2-hour time limit; while this should provide enough time to use course information as a resource, we recommend studying beforehand to maximize your performance. Reminder: The timer does not pause once an exam has started:
  1. If a student accidentally exits the exam or loses connection, they should immediately refresh the browser, confirm that Honorlock is active again by checking the top-right corner of the browser (the "puzzle piece" icon), and then click Resume to continue the exam.


  2. To help prevent interruptions, students should keep Honorlock running in their browser and on their device throughout the exam session.
  3. If you are experiencing difficulty with your testing computer or getting Honorlock to activate the exam page, please see this guide: How to Troubleshoot the Honorlock Extension?
  4. If a student is unable to continue or continues to experience technical issues, they should contact support@tel-education.org as soon as possible.
5. Academic Integrity Notice: Violating exam or proctoring guidelines, such as opening additional tabs, conducting unauthorized internet searches, and/or utilizing outside resources such as apps, extensions, or other online tools designed to help on an exam, constitutes an academic integrity violation and may result in a low or failing grade. 
  1. Students who may have been flagged for academic integrity concerns for not meeting proctoring guidelines in the exam module will be officially notified by email at Instructionalservices@tel-education.org for our records. Otherwise, your score will appear in the "Grades" section of the course once completed.

Important Exam Material Note

Please note the following guidelines regarding exam materials:

  • Handwritten Note Card: Students are allowed to bring one (1) 3x5 handwritten note card into all exams, including the Language and Composition Final Exam. The note card must follow these guidelines: 
    • It must be handwritten. It must be in “notes” format and not a list of questions and answers.
  • Scratch Paper: Students may bring the following items to any exam:
    • One (1) blank 8.5x11 piece of computer paper (must be shown to the proctor before beginning the exam)
    • Two (2) sharpened pencils
    • This applies to all courses and is required for proper exam setup.
  • Disclaimer: Honorlock may state "No Open-Notes" on an exam. This refers to any other unauthorized physical materials that may be present in your testing environment, excluding what is allowed.
  • Calculator Usage: Calculators are permitted on certain exams and may be helpful for specific questions. For College Math and Quantitative Analysis, a built-in calculator is available next to each question within the exam. You may use it at your discretion. Students are also encouraged to bring a blank sheet of scratch or graph paper and a pencil to work out problems during the exam.
  • A scientific calculator is available within the exam environment for:
    • Quantitative Analysis
    • College Algebra
    • Physical Science
    • Chemistry
  • A basic calculator is provided for:
    • Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship

Only the calculator embedded in the exam environment should be used—external calculators are not allowed.

For more information, check out our full article: Can I Use a Calculator on the Exam?
 (It includes tips on when and how to use the calculator most effectively.)

Proctoring Instructions

Overview:

Our exams are proctored to ensure test integrity. To understand how the process works and how to prepare, please review Honorlock Setup: Everything You Need to Know—this article walks you through each step of the setup and testing process.

You can also follow the steps below to get started with Honorlock in your course:

  • Online Proctoring: Proctoring is available 24/7 via an online platform at no additional cost. Ensure you have the necessary equipment and a reliable internet connection before starting your proctoring session.
  • Testing Environment: Before starting the exam, ensure a quiet, distraction-free environment. Follow all proctoring instructions provided to maintain test integrity.
  • Proctoring Instructions and Agreement: Before starting the exam, read and acknowledge the proctoring instructions and agreement. Once your proctoring session begins, follow the instructions to start the exam.
  • ID Verification for Exam: To ensure a secure testing environment, you will need to verify your identity before starting the exam:
  1. Have Your ID Ready
     You can use the following IDs for verification:
    • Government Issued IDs (Driver's License, Passport)
    • Institution-Issued Photo IDs (High School or College IDs)
  2. Take a Photo of Your ID
     Click "I Have My ID" and hold your ID in front of your webcam. Make sure it’s clear and legible.
  3. Scan Your Room
     Complete a 360° scan of your room and workspace. Follow the on-screen instructions to ensure all areas are captured.
  4. Submit and Begin Exam
     Review your room scan and click "Yes, Submit". Once your scan is submitted, click "Launch" or "Begin Exam" to start your test.

Additional Information 

You can find more details about the exam process, including calculator use and setup, in two places within your course:

  • The Honorlock Module at the beginning of the course
  • The Exam Module, specifically the Exam Expectations page and the Honorlock page

These sections offer step-by-step guidance to help you feel prepared and confident going into your exam.

Disconnection Disclaimer:

If you disconnect while taking your exam online, please attempt to reconnect and re-enter your exam with your proctor immediately. All students who disconnect or violate our proctoring guidelines are automatically flagged for official review. For any technical difficulties or questions about this process, please reach out to support@tel-education.org. 

Accommodations for Students

Accommodations for Students:

If you have valid 504 or IEP documentation and require exam accommodations, these must be arranged before your proctored exam.

To ensure your accommodations are in place, please provide official documentation to your school as early as possible. This allows us to coordinate with your institution and implement any approved support.

For additional information or assistance, feel free to contact: disabilityservices@tel-education.org

Additional Information:
Please note: Your school may offer in-person proctoring upon request. Please reach out to your school to see if this option is available.

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