Manual SMOWL

Technischer Stand: Dezember 2024
Rollen: Teilnehmer, Prüfungstester

The SMOWL remote supervision application becomes visible in the exam course once you have selected remote supervision. If you are not satisfied with SMOWL, you can reverse your choice and opt for a different form of supervision.

Once remote supervision is activated, you will have access to the SMOWL block in the right sidebar, which leads you to the SMOWL panel. In the exam activity or in the prescribed technical trial run, the SMOWL block will display the control indicators and controls for SMOWL.

At TUDa, SMOWL is operated with the following settings:

Front webcam External webcam / second camera via smart device Computer monitoring Microphone SMOWL Panel

SMOWL Panel

Using SMOWL starts with accessing the SMOWL Panel. Here, the essential features are summarized by the manufacturer. The panel can be found in the second section of exam courses on moodle-exam. In the panel, you will register and download the computer monitoring software.

Be sure to read the registration section before proceeding.

A detailed explanation of the manufacturer’s SMOWL Panel can be found here: SMOWLtech: SMOWL Panel
Note: If you have studied the manufacturer’s site, you may encounter a browser extension that is typically not used at TUDa; instead, the CM application is always used.

Registration

For a remote proctored exam, it is essential to verify your identity beforehand. The registration must be completed before the exam.
A photo of your face will be taken, meeting the standards for biometric identification.
A photo of your official identification card will also be taken. Acceptable official IDs include: ID card, driver’s license, residence permit, supplementary ID, government service ID, weapon permits, and student IDs with a photo.
Unauthorized IDs include, in particular, the Athene card, study cards, and health insurance cards.
It is sufficient if the two photos are taken and uploaded before the exam. The comparison between the two photos does not need to be completed before the exam starts. It is enough if the comparison between your photo and the official ID is completed after the exam.

Important! Complete the registration carefully. It usually lasts for 2 semesters.

Start Registration

Navigate to "Register" in the SMOWL Panel to begin the registration process. Note: As of September 2024, start the registration in a new tab.

Without opening a new tab, the browser function to detect connected cameras will not be triggered, and the registration cannot be completed. The SMOWL development team is aware and working on an improvement.

Important! Complete the registration carefully. It cannot be repeated on your own.

Registration Completed and Comparison Satisfactory:

A successful registration in the SMOWL Panel looks like this:

The details of the five registration steps can be found on the manufacturer’s page: How to register in SMOWL

Computer Monitoring - Install and Run SMOWL CM

This application must be running during the exam. Grant the program the necessary permissions. The download and an introduction are available at: https://help.smowltech.net/en/articles/8267016-downloading-and-installing-smowl-cm The software documents the use of the computer and helps avoid accidental cheating attempts through negligence. Close all unnecessary programs and services.

Before the Exam

By regulation, all allowed aids are described in the exam guidelines. Conversely, only actions permitted by the exam guidelines or needed to resolve technical problems are allowed. This means especially closing all processes and programs that facilitate communication. These include all chats, voice chats, screen recordings, email clients, collaboration tools, and screenshot tools. Since it is impossible to close everything before an exam, you must assess if starting a program, using a website, or taking any action on the computer might be interpreted as cheating or provide you or others with an unfair advantage. For example, accessing a Zoom update or adjusting display settings does not give you an advantage as these might be necessary actions.

During the Exam

The SMOWL Moodle plugin will request that the CM program be started in the web browser during an exam with SMOWL. Allow this request and confirm that CM can restart automatically during the active exam if necessary. CM must not be terminated during the exam. If your control indicators show a CM failure, restart it manually if you refused the automatic restart.

After the Exam

The recorded events are reviewed and, in cases of suspicion, are considered in context with the other recordings and exam guidelines to determine further actions. The exam board, in unclear cases, is advised by the university law department and the e-exam team. The review is fair. There are no automated decisions against exam participants; only positive ones.

Guides in the SMOWL Panel

The FAQs point to the manufacturer's website, where you can find more information about SMOWL. Be sure to check the general SMOWL Info Page for more details.
Get familiar with the second camera, known as "external monitoring": External Camera Guide

Technical Demo Exam is Required

You can repeat the technical demo exam as often as you want!
Test until everything works and you feel well-prepared.

Without a demo run, you cannot enter the exam.
The technical demo includes a tutorial on using SMOWL and Moodle question types.
Test the computer you plan to use for the exam.
Test the stability of the internet connection.
Check if lighting needs adjustment.
Test backup computers if applicable.
All SMOWL modules must function: front camera, external camera, CM.
Consider in advance what you might need to change on your chosen device to avoid recording.
Without a demo run, support may be denied.

Differences Between Demo Exams and Real Exams with SMOWL

The SMOWL test mode, introduced in fall 2024, is a great concept because:

... you can test as many times as needed.
... only a few pictures are stored at the beginning of the demo for testing purposes.
... only a few events from CM are transmitted at the beginning of the demo.
... only a microphone recording is kept.
... no one will review the recordings.

Starting the Technical Demo Exam or Exam

Navigate to the demo exam or actual exam. Expand the right sidebar to display the SMOWL block:

The SMOWL block will now display something similar to the following:

Use the QR code to use an iOS or Android device as a workplace camera. Be sure to rotate smartphones to landscape mode. When the third symbol (smartphone) no longer shows a loading bar, everything is functioning. Allow the web browser to start the CM software when prompted. If CM works correctly, the window "System active" will be visible, and the notebook symbol will no longer show a loading bar.

Technical Demo Exam with Tutorial!

In the demo exam, you will be guided on how to use cameras, etc., with self-check functions. It will explain how to handle announcements, toilet breaks, etc.
It will show how to navigate within the exam.
It will introduce the types of tasks likely to be used.
You can practice using HTML editor for open-ended questions.

If you want to preview what to expect in the tutorial, check out the Demo Course.
The SMOWL Exam Handbook contains the tutorial in its non-interactive form.

General Notes

Ensure your device for the second camera is sufficiently charged or connected to a power source.
Enable the "Do Not Disturb" mode or another similar mode.
Never close SMOWL before submitting your exam, always do so afterward.
You can minimize SMOWL during the exam to avoid distractions.
If you start a program during the exam, you will receive the following message:
After submitting your exam, SMOWL will ask you if you really submitted it. Just click “Close” or follow the instructions if you haven’t submitted yet.
If you do not see this message after submitting your exam, you can simply click "End Activity" in the SMOWL application.