2007 Orientation to Testing for Students

AIMS Online Testing System UNC-CH School of Medicine

Testing web site: https://pinnacle.med.unc.edu/Testing/

Welcome to the AIMS Online Testing System

1. Types of online exams

2. Preparing for an in-class exam

3. The day of an in-class exam

4. A note about take-home exams

5. A note about self-assessments

Types of online exams:

in-class, closed book exams (sometimes called “secure” exams) use the AIMS Online software

installed on your laptop

take-home, open-book exams & self-assessments

use IE, Mozilla or Firefox

AIMS Online Testing System


It is your responsibility to make sure that your medical school laptop is always in good working order.

Preparing for in-class exams:


• Run Symantec Anti-Virus Live Update & do a full scan.

• Run SpyBot Search & Destroy.

• Test your connection to the Internet.

• Run Windows Updates; reboot your laptop after installations.

Several days before an exam:


• Do NOT install the Microsoft Vista operating system.

• If you have an old T43 laptop, don’t upgrade to IE 7.0

• Seek HELP if you’re having laptop problems.

Several days before an exam:


If you’re having computer problems, please contact OIS at least 3 working days before an exam, so that they will have time to fix your laptop or find a suitable loaner.

Getting Help:


Call the Help Line at 966-1325.

Visit Walk-In Services/109 Wing B 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday-Friday

Visit the OIS web site.

Visit the Testing Web Site: https://pinnacle.med.unc.edu/Testing/

Contact OIS:


• Bring your medical school laptop, power cord, network cable, School of Medicine ID badge, PID & Test ID.

• Arrive 15 minutes early.

• Exams are only accessible in designated rooms, such as 2204 MBRB.

The day of an in-class exam:


• Wear your SOM ID badge.

• Sit in chairs that are tagged with red stickers.

• Place all nonessential testing items (e.g., book bags, notebooks, & paper) underneath your seat.



• Turn off and put away all electronic devices.

• Scratch paper may be provided, but you are NOT allowed to take the scratch paper away from the testing location.



• Plug your laptop into the power outlet and network port.

• Turn on your laptop and make sure you can connect to the Internet.

• Make sure your IE browser language is set to US, English.



Open Internet Explorer:

In the Internet Options control panel, make sure that the Privacy Setting is set no stricter than Medium High.

Check Cookies:


Hit the Fn+F5 key and ‘Turn off’ wireless.

Disable wireless:


Disable any memory resident programs, such as Instant Messenger, news or weather alerts.

Disable Other Programs:


There is on-site tech support for all in-class exams.

Raise your hand and seek help immediately if you can’t access the exam software, get disconnected from an exam, or receive an error message.

About Tech Support:


• Loaners are limited & distributed on a first-come basis.

• If you have trouble using the track pad, use a regular mouse instead.

• If you borrow equipment, please return it after the exam.

More About Tech Support:


Click on the AIMS Online icon on your desktop.

Enter your PID & Test ID

Logging into an in-class exam:

• Verify your identity.• Read & agree to the Honor Code.


• Watch for the 15 and 5-minute warnings.

• Use the Review page to carefully check your answers.

• Don’t try to open other software- it will kick you out of the exam.

• Don’t exit the exam until you’re done.

Tips for in-class exams:


A word about take-home exams:

Take-home exams are accessed using your regular Internet browser (IE, Mozilla, Firefox).

Go to this link:

https://pinnacle.med.unc.edu/EvaluationSystem/

Enter your PID & Test ID.


More about take-home exams:

Take-home exams are timed.

They may be active overnight, or for several days.

The start and end times for each take-home exam are posted on the course forum.


Tips for take-home exams:

• Don’t use tabbed-browsing or open multiple exam sessions.

• Don’t wait until just before the exam closes to enter your answers online.

• Use only the Next & Previous buttons in the test to navigate between pages.

• Remember to ‘submit’ your answers.


A word about self-assessments:

Self-assessments are accessed using your regular Internet browser (IE, Mozilla, Firefox).

Go to this link:

https://pinnacle.med.unc.edu/SA/

Enter your PID & Test ID.


Tips for self-assessments:

• Use the answer key and justifications to help you learn the material.

• Score your self-assessment and gauge your performance.

• Clear your answers and take the self- assessment as many times as you wish.


Use your regular Internet browser and go to this link:

https://pinnacle.med.unc.edu/Feedback/

Enter your PID and Test ID.

Choose the exam you want from the drop down box.

Getting Your Feedback:


1-3 days before each exam, we will post a reminder for you on the course forum.

The AIMS Testing Web Site has links to the different testing systems, FAQ sheets and PID/Test ID lookups:

https://pinnacle.med.unc.edu/Testing/

Reminders & Other Info:

Documents

2007 Orientation to Testing for Students