WebCT On-line Exams
We will have two on-line exams this term. The first is a practice exam
designed to give you a feel for how to take an on-line essay exam. The
second is the final exam. Both are timed exams (you will have 2
hours to complete them) and will be available between certain dates and
times. To access the exams, click on the Exams link from the main
page (available later in the term). This page will show the available exams
and periods of accessibility.
Exam Schedule
The practice exam will be available From: June 4, 2006 8am To:
June 6, 2006 12:00pm . You will have 2 hours to complete the exam.
The final exam will be available From: June 11, 2006 8:00am
To: June 13, 2006 12:00pm . You will have 2 hours to complete the
exam.
Tips for Taking Exams
The on-line exams are tests. As such, you will have the restrictions of
a timed test designed to measure your skills in writing arguments. However,
there are some things you can do to make the process easier:
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Schedule a two-hour block of time to take the test. Make sure you have
a relatively quiet place to work with computer access. You may want to
use one of the college's labs or your local library to ensure this. The
exam will be available overnight for two evenings, so you can complete
the exam late at night or early morning if that is easier.
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While you can write your exam into the test window, you probably should
write your essay using a word processor. This way you can run your spell
and grammar check when you are done. Then copy and paste your essay into
the test window before submitting. Save your exam file to your local drive
or disk "just in case".
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Keep your essay simple. Unlike the papers, these exams are personal essays.
While I do want you to bring in "outside" sources, you should cite things
you already know from the text, notes, previous papers, etc. And most of
your supports should be your own opinions and experiences. (Just make sure
you express them as such.)
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Make sure to demonstrate the basics. You must show that you can write an
essay in proper form (Intro w/ thesis, Body with supports, Conclusion w/
thesis restated) using MLA style (In-text citations, Works Cited page).
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Use your resources. For my exams, you can refer to the text, the on-line
readings, my notes, and any other on-line resources used for this class.
So if it helps to take a quick look at the Quick and Easy Guide to Writing
Essays while you're taking the exam, do it.
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Make sure you use the "Save Answer" button before you submit the exam with
the "Finish" button.
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If you do have technical difficulties, contact the WebCT help desk using
the link from the main page. Also let me know ASAP.