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Who does this apply to?
If
you entered Longwood after August of 2000 as a freshman or transfer
student, this computer competency requirement applies to you. You will
need to pass the computer competency tests before you graduate. Because
these skills will be of assistance to you in your classes, you should
try to pass these tests as soon as possible.
What happens if I don’t eventually pass these
computer competency tests?
These competency tests are like required courses in your major. You must
pass them in order to graduate. However, like required courses in your
major, you can re-take these tests as many times as you need to in order
to pass.
How do I learn to access this Smart Force Testing and
Tutorial System?
You can learn to access the system (a) by looking at the
Quick Start information, or (b) by getting
help from your RTA or a
friend who has accessed the system, or (c) call
User Support Services
(434.395.4357).
What’s up with these Competency Tests?
We
are requiring all entering freshmen and transfer students to take
on-line tests in beginning Power Point, Excel, and Internet Explorer, as
well as intermediate Word. If you pass the test, you have met the
requirement. If you don’t, the SkillSoft Tutorials will provide you with
the information you need to pass the associated test.
What’s the deadline for passing the competency tests?
Before you graduate, but the sooner you pass the tests the sooner you’ll
have these skills for your classes. The longer you wait, the more
you hurt yourself!
Where and when do I take the pretests?
You can take these pretests from any location on a Windows PC with
Internet access, such as your residence hall room, pc computer lab, or
home. You can take them at any time before graduation. They will be
available to you on-line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What about proctoring for the tests?
If we were to treat you as untrustworthy, we would have to require you
to come to a specific location at a specific time to take these tests.
That would greatly inconvenience you and greatly increase the costs of
implementing this system. We at Longwood believe in the
Honor Code and the concept of “Citizen Leaders.” We believe our
students do also.
How long do the tests take?
Each of the four pretests should take about 20 minutes or less to
complete. Your score will automatically be recorded in the SkillSoft
Database. Your results should be visible immediately, but may take
24 hours for Longwood to be able to see your scores.
How long do the on-line tutorials take?
If
you do not pass the pretest, you will need to access the on-line
tutorial for more training. The tutorials take on the average about 3 to
5 hours each.
What if my
computer locks-up while I’m taking a test?
Internet and other connection problems can occur. If it does, you may
have to re-boot your computer and take the pretest again. You can
help this problem by closing other programs and making sure your
computer is running well before you begin. This includes other
browsers not related to SkillSoft, Instant Messaging Programs, and Media
Players.
I remember my someone talking about “live-play”
and “download.” How does that go again?
There are two ways of accessing the system. One is by doing it directly
from the Web. The other is by “downloading” the files to your computer
and running the course later (off-line). If you’re using your own
computer, you can access the system either way. (However, note that if
you use "download" from your laptop, your score will not be transferred
to the SkillSoft database until you access the system again by logging
into the web site at
https://secure.skillport.com/rklongwood.
) If you’re using a computer in a lab (actually, any machine other than
your laptop where you may not have exclusive access), you must
use live-play.
I’m interested in developing my computer
skills. Are there other tutorial modules available to me?
Yes! There are 250 separate courses in 18 different topic areas for you
to choose from. Topics include statistics, economics, web design,
programming, human resources, operating systems, database management,
and home user related courses.
Who will have access to this system?
All students will have the ability to access the tutorials.
Longwood faculty and staff will have the same option to view and learn
from the same courses.
My Course will not launch.
What can I do?
Take a look at our technical support document.
If you continue to have trouble, please contact User Support Services.
What other benefits does SkillSoft offer?
The Client Community continues to be your one-stop resource for product,
marketing and industry information, but now it's bigger with more access
to resources for ALL SkillSoft products and services. |