Manual SMOWL

Technischer Stand: Dezember 2024
Rollen: Teilnehmer, Prüfungstester

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In thisThe SMOWL guide,remote wesupervision explainapplication howbecomes tovisible registerin the exam course once you have selected remote supervision. If you are not satisfied with SMOWL, installyou can reverse your choice and opt for a different form of supervision.

Once remote supervision is activated, you will have access to the SMOWL andblock givein the right sidebar, which leads you instructions on how to use SMOWL.

SMOWL Panel

Using SMOWL begins with opening the SMOWL panel. TheIn mostthe importantexam functionsactivity 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 here by the manufacturer. The panel can be found in the second section of exam courses on moode-moodle-exam. Register inIn the panelpanel, 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

ItFor a remote proctored exam, it is essential to identifyverify yourselfyour 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 advance for a remote supervision test. You must have completedparticular, the registrationAthene processcard, study cards, and health insurance cards.
It is sufficient if the two photos are taken and uploaded before the exam. However,The itcomparison between the two photos does not haveneed to be completed.completed Thebefore the exam starts. It is enough if the comparison between your photographphoto and the official photo ID can also beis completed after the exam.

Important! Complete the registration carefully. It is usually validlasts for 32 semesters.

Start Registration

Navigate to “Register”"Register" in the SMOWL panelPanel to begin the registration process. Note: As of September 2024, start the registration process.in (https://doc.e-learning.tu-darmstadt.de/uploads/images/gallery/2024-09/scaled-1680-/image-1727182952434.png)](https://doc.e-learning.tu-darmstadt.de/uploads/images/gallery/2024-09/image-1727182952434.png)a new tab.

Registration comprises 5 steps.

SinceWithout opening a new tab, the updatebrowser infunction September,to detect connected cameras will not be triggered, and the labelsregistration betweencannot stepsbe 1completed. The SMOWL development team is aware and 2working 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 processSMOWL havePanel beenlooks swapped,like butthis: this

does

The notdetails changeof the basicfive procedure.registration Thesteps procedurecan shownbe herefound ison the currentmanufacturer’s sequencepage: ofHow steps.to register in SMOWL

Computer

Monitoring

Enter- your nameInstall and contactRun emailSMOWL address.CM

Use

This yourapplication studentmust emailbe address or,running during the applicationexam. phase, your contact email address

1. A picture of your face has now been taken. AllowGrant the web browser to access your computer's webcam. Followprogram the instructions,necessary especiallypermissions. onThe lighting, to ensure good image quality for proof of identity.

2. An official photo ID serves as a reference image for identity checks. This includes ID cards, driving licenses, residence permits, supplementary ID cards, government service ID cards, firearms licensesdownload and studentan ID cards with a photo. Athene cards, student ID cards and health insurance cardsintroduction are notavailable permitted.at:

   https://help.smowltech.net/en/articles/8267016-downloading-and-installing-smowl-cm
The
3. software

   Install SMOWL CM. CM stands for Computer Monitoring. This recordsdocuments 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 test.active Giveexam if necessary. CM must not be terminated during the programexam. allIf theyour rightscontrol indicators show a CM failure, restart it requires. It is available for Windows X64, MacOs and common Ubuntu and Debian versions.

4. If the registration is still running, you will see the following screen. You will also see step 5manually if you clickrefused onthe Registrationautomatic againrestart.

   After the Exam

   The recorded events are reviewed and, in cases of suspicion, are considered in context with the SMOWLother panelrecordings afterand registrationexam hasguidelines beento completed.determine

   further
actions.

The

Registrationexam board, in unclear cases, is completeadvised by the university law department and the comparisone-exam wasteam. satisfactory:

The

Areview successfulis registrationfair. looksThere likeare thisno inautomated thedecisions SMOWLagainst panel:exam participants; only positive ones.

Download and install SMOWL Computer Monitoriun later or again via CM Panel

If you want to use a different computer or have uninstalled SMWOL, you can download the program here.

Guides in the SMOWL panel

Panel

The FAQFAQs referspoint to the manufacturer's website, where you can find more information about SMOWL. If you have any questions, beBe sure to check the general SMOWL infoInfo pagePage Familiarizefor yourselfmore details.
Get familiar with the second camera, theknown so-calledas “"external monitoring”monitoring": InstructionsExternal forCamera second cameraGuide

Technical Demo Exam is Required

You can repeat the technical demo testexam mustas beoften carriedas outyou want!
Test until everything works and you feel well-prepared.

• YouWithout maya notdemo run, you cannot enter the testexam.
without
• The technical demo includes a testtutorial run.on using SMOWL and Moodle question types.
• Test the computer you wantplan to use infor the exam.
• AlsoTest testthe anystability alternativeof computers.the internet connection.
• Check if lighting needs adjustment.
• Test backup computers if applicable.
• All SMOWL modules must work:function: Frontalfront camera, external camera, CMCM.
• Consider in advance what you might need to change on your chosen device to avoid recording.
• Without a testdemo run, yousupport may be refuseddenied.
support.

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 technicalTechnical demoDemo testExam or testExam

Before using SMOWL, the workplace must be prepared accordingly. Clear away all unauthorized objects. Make sure that you are not disturbed unnecessarily. Go through the following steps.

Navigate to the demo testexam or test

actual

exam. Expand the right sidebar to display the SMOWL block:

The SMOWL block on the right-hand sidewill now displaysdisplay approximatelysomething similar to the following:

Allow the operating system to start the CM software when you are prompted to do so. If CM is working properly, you will see the “System active” window and the second icon with the notebook in green in the SMOWL block.
Use the QR code to use an IOSiOS or Android device as a second / externalworkplace camera. TheBe thirdsure iconto withrotate smartphone and camera is green when everything is working. Please turnsmartphones to landscape mode.

Note: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 youCM cannotworks seecorrectly, the SMOWLwindow block,"System unfoldactive" itwill onbe visible, and the rightnotebook sidesymbol ofwill no longer show a loading bar.

Technical Demo Exam with Tutorial!

In the coursedemo using the arrow button.

Webcam check

Position in front of the front webcam as described here.

Start SMOWL CM

You will now be asked again to grant access to your camera and microphone and to open the SMOWL application. If everything has worked,exam, you will seebe 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 followingexam.
image:

It

will

Secondintroduce camerathe in SMOWL

As explained above, use your smartphone or tablet as a second camera for monitoring your test.

Positiontypes of thetasks smartphone/tabletlikely Position your smartphone or tablet so that the desk, your monitors and you yourself are visible from the side - i.e. your profile and hands shouldto be visible. Your second camera should therefore film you from the right or left from a slightly elevated position.used.
You can findpractice sampleusing imagesHTML editor for positioningopen-ended atquestions.

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

General notes

Notes

• Make sure thatEnsure your device is sufficiently charged for the second camera is sufficiently charged or connect itconnected to a power source.
• Also switch onEnable the “"Do notNot disturb”Disturb" mode or another similar mode.
• Never close SMOWL before submitting your exam, always closedo itso afterwards.afterward.
• You can minimize SMOWL during the exam soto thatavoid you are not disturbed by it.distractions.
• If you start a program during the exam, you will receive the following message:
• After submitting your exam, SMOWL will ask you whetherif you have really submitted theit. exam. SimplyJust click on “Close” or follow the instructions if you have nothaven’t submitted the exam.yet.
  
• If you do not see this instructionmessage after submitting your exam, you can also simply click on “"End Activity”Activity" in the SMOWL application.