SAM 2010 Student Help

Contents

1    Introduction to SAM 2010. 2

2    Before You Begin. 2

2.1   System Requirements. 2

2.2   Configuring Your Browser 2

2.2.1  Supported Browsers. 2

2.2.2  Enabling JavaScript 2

2.2.3  Disabling Pop-Up Blockers. 3

2.2.4  Disabling Ad Blockers. 4

2.2.5  Establishing Trusted Sites. 4

2.3   Setting Up Your PC.. 4

2.3.1  Necessary Software. 4

2.3.2  Monitor Resolution. 4

2.4   Tips for Macintosh Users. 5

3    Logging into SAM... 5

3.1   Logging in the First Time. 5

3.1.1  Pre-Registered Users. 5

3.1.2  New Users. 5

3.2   Existing Users. 6

4    Navigating SAM 2010. 6

5    Home. 6

5.1   Downloading Documentation. 6

5.2   Receiving Messages. 6

5.3   Updating Your Account 6

5.4   Getting Technical Support 7

5.4.1  Phone Support 7

5.4.2  Email Support 7

5.4.3  Online Chat Support 7

5.5   How Do I…?. 7

6    Sections. 7

6.1   Viewing Your Sections. 7

6.2   Joining a Section. 7

7    SAM Assignments. 7

7.1   Adding a Product 7

7.2   Searching For and Selecting an Assignment 7

7.3   Taking an Exam... 8

7.4   Undergoing Training. 8

7.5   Using the Content Player 8

7.5.1  Content Player Areas. 8

7.5.2  Recovering and Resuming from a Crash or Lost Connection. 9

7.6   Working on a Project 9

7.6.1  Starting a Project 9

7.6.2  Submitting a Project 9

7.6.3  Dealing with Project Errors. 10

8    Reports. 10

8.1   Generating Reports. 10

8.1.1  Generating All Exam Results. 11

8.1.2  Generating Specific Reports. 11

8.1.3  Downloading Submitted Projects. 11

8.2   Viewing Reports. 11

9    Logging Out 11

1 Introduction to SAM 2010

Skills Assessment Manager 2010 (SAM 2010) is a Web-based software application that measures your proficiency in the Microsoft Office 2010 applications suite (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word), as well as Internet Explorer 8 and Windows 7.

SAM 2010 offers exam, training, and projects-based assessment and homework options, depending on what is required by your instructor. The Student Manual introduces the basic functions of SAM 2010 through step-by-step instructions. Your specific use of SAM may vary, again, based on your instructor’s preferences and syllabus.

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2 Before You Begin

2.1 System Requirements

Your workstation must meet the following minimum system requirements to use SAM 2010:

Requirements	Details
PC	· Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or higher processor required; Intel Centrino or an equivalent multi-core processor recommended · Memory: 512 MB RAM required; 1 GB RAM recommended · Operating Systems: Windows XP SP3 32- or 64-bit, Vista SP1 32- or 64-bit, or 7 32- or 64-bit; Macintosh OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard · Web Browsers: Internet Explorer 7, 8, or 9 for 32-bit versions of Windows or 64-bit versions running in 32-bit emulation mode; Firefox 3.6 or 4.0 for Windows; Safari 4.0 or 5.0 for Macintosh OS X
Audio & Video	· Graphics: SVGA · Resolution: Minimum recommended 1024x768 · Color: 32-bit · Video Memory: 64 MB minimum; 128 MB recommended · Video Card: Modern DirectX compatible
Network	· Internet connection: 56K modem minimum; broadband connection (cable, DLS, T1, or ISDN) recommended. Persistent connection required.
Software and Disk Storage	· Web Browsers: 4 MB · Adobe Flash Player 10.2 recommended; versions 9.0.115.0 or higher have been tested and are supported; versions prior to 9.0.115.0 are not supported: 2 MB · Adobe Reader 8 minimum; 9 recommended: 22.4 MB · Microsoft Office 2010 Professional for Windows for SAM Projects. Please refer to your Microsoft documentation for current disk storage requirements.

For up-to-date system requirements for Microsoft products, please refer to the following page on the Microsoft Web site:

· For the Windows Vista operating system: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/system-requirements.aspx

· For the Windows 7 operating system: http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements

· For Office 2010 Professional for Windows:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/FX100487411033.aspx?pid=CL100571081033

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2.2 Configuring Your Browser

2.2.1 Supported Browsers

You can access SAM using the following browsers:

Operating System	Supported Browsers
Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1, and 7	Internet Explorer 7, 8, or 9 for 32-bit versions of Windows or 64-bit versions running in 32-bit emulation mode; Firefox 3.6 or 4.0
Macintosh OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard	Safari 4.0 or 5.0

No matter the browser you choose to use, the following have to be true to fully use SAM:

• JavaScript is enabled.
• Pop-up Blocking is disabled, either entirely or just for the SAM 2010 URLs: http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com
• Ad blocking software is disabled for the URLs: http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com
• In the case of IE 7, SAM also needs to be set up as a trusted site for the URLs http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com.

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2.2.2 Enabling JavaScript

In order to use SAM 2010, JavaScript needs to be enabled on your web browser.  It will be active in most cases, but in order to check its status and, if necessary, enable it, use the following procedures.

2.2.2.1 Internet Explorer

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Select Internet Options under the Tools menu. The Internet Options dialog box will open.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Click on the Internet or Trusted Sites icon.
5. Click on the Custom level button. The Security Settings – Internet Zone dialog box will open.
6. Scroll to the Scripting section.
7. Under Active Scripting make sure the Enable radio button is selected
8. If not, click on the Enable radio button.
9. Click the OK button to close the Security Settings – Internet Zone dialog box.
10. Click the OK button to close the Internet Options dialog box.

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2.2.2.2 Firefox for Windows

1. Launch Firefox.
2. Select Options under the Tools menu. The Options dialog box will open.
3. Click on the Content tab.
4. Look at the Enable JavaScript checkbox. It should be checked (i.e., on).
5. If not checked, click it to enable JavaScript.
6. If you are using Firefox 4.0, proceed to Step 10. Otherwise, click on the Advanced button to the right of the Enable JavaScript checkbox. The Advanced JavaScript Settings dialog box will open.
7. Make sure the Hide the status bar checkbox is checked (i.e., on).
8. If not, click it to allow JavaScript to hide the Firefox status bar.
9. Click OK on the Advanced JavaScript Settings to close the dialog box.
10. Click OK on the Options dialog box to save your changes.

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2.2.2.3 Safari for Macintosh

1. Select Preferences under the Safari menu. The Preferences dialog box will open.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Look at the Enable JavaScript checkbox. It should be checked (i.e. on).
4. If not, click it to enable JavaScript.
5. Close the dialog box to save.

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2.2.3 Disabling Pop-Up Blockers

In order to use SAM 2010, pop-up blocking software must be disabled on your web browser for the URLS http://sam2010.course.com and http://sam2010sm.course.com. Use the following procedures to disable pop-up blocking:

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2.2.3.1 Internet Explorer

To turn off pop-up blocking entirely or just for the SAM 2010 URLs:

1. Launch Internet Explorer.

2. Select Internet Options from the Tools menu. The Internet Options dialog box will open.

3. Click on the Privacy tab.

4. To completely turn off pop-up blocking, make sure the Turn on Pop-up Blocker checkbox is not checked (i.e., off). If you only want to disable this for SAM only, go to the next step.

5. Make sure the Turn on Pop-up Blocker checkbox is checked (i.e., on).

6. Under Pop-up Blocker, click on the Settings button. The Pop-up Blocker Settings dialog box will open.

7. In the Address of website to allow field, enter http://sam2010sm.course.com.

8. Click the Add button.

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the URL http://sam2010.course.com.

10. Click the Close button to return to the Internet Options dialog box.

11. Click the OK button to save your changes.

To turn off pop-up blocking entirely from the menu bar:

1. Select Pop-Up Blocker under the Tools menu.
2. Select Turn Off Pop-Up Blocker under the Pop-Up Blocker menu.

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2.2.3.2 Firefox for Windows

To turn off pop-up blocking entirely or just for the SAM 2010 URLs:

To turn off pop-up blocking entirely or just for the SAM 2010 URLs:

1. Launch Firefox
2. Select Options from under the Tools menu. The Options dialog box will open.
3. Click on the Content tab.
4. To complete turn of pop-up blocking make sure the Block pop-up windows checkbox is not checked (i.e. off). If you only want to disable this form SAM, go to the next step.
5. To disable pop-up blocking just for SAM, make sure the Block pop-up windows checkbox is checked (i.e. on)
6. Click the Exceptions button to the right of the check box. The Allow Sites – Pop-ups dialog box will display.
7. Enter the URL http://sam2010sm.course.com in the Address of web site field.
8. Click the Allow button.
9. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 for the URL http://sam2010.course.com
10. Click the Close button on the Allow Sites – Pop-ups to close the dialog box.
11. On the Options dialog box click the OK button to save your changes.

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2.2.3.3 Safari for Macintosh

Note that Safari does not currently support disabling pop-up blocking for specific URLs.  Therefore, it should always be turned off when using SAM.

1. Select Preferences under the Safari menu. The Preferences dialog box will open.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Look at the Block pop-up windows checkbox. It should not be checked (i.e. off).
4. If not, click it to disable pop-up window block.
5. Close the dialog box to save.

Pop-up blocking can also be turn off from the menu bar using the following procedure:

1. Open the Safari menu.
2. Look at the Block Pop-Up Windows option.  If checked, pop-up blocking is on.
3. Click on the Block Pop-Up Windows option so it is no longer checked.

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2.2.3.4 Third-Party Pop-Up Blockers

Third-party Internet Explorer and Firefox toolbars offered by companies like Yahoo!, Google, and Ask.com often include pop-up blockers. You will need to deactivate this feature, either entirely or for the URLs http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com. Please refer to the toolbar’s documentation or help for further instructions.

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2.2.4 Disabling Ad Blockers

There are third-party add-ons and extensions for Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari that block the display of advertisements.  These are only a problem if one of SAM’s URLs is inadvertently added to the block list.  To prevent this, we recommend that the blocker be disabled for the URLs http://sam2010sm.course.com and http://sam2010.course.com.  Please refer to the ad blocker’s documentation or help for further instruction.

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2.2.5 Establishing Trusted Sites

Internet Explorer 7 requires you establish SAM as a trusted site in order for the Content Player to display the correct information in the title bar. Use the following procedure:

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Select Internet Options from the Tools menu. The Internet Options dialog box will open.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Click on the Trusted Sites icon. The Trusted Sites window will display.
5. Click on the Sites button. The Trusted Sites dialog box will display.
6. In the Add this website to the zone field, enter http://sam2010sm.course.com. Make sure the checkbox Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone is blank (i.e. off).
7. Click the Add button.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the URL http://sam2010.course.com.
9. Click the Close button to return to the Internet Options dialog box
10. Click the OK button to save your changes.

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2.3 Setting Up Your PC

2.3.1 Necessary Software

You will need the following software on your PC in order to use SAM 2010:

• The Adobe Flash Player is required in order to use the SAM Content Player to preview the simulations used in exams and training. You can find a link to this component on the right side of the Home page, under Software. Click on the link or go to http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ and follow the installation prompts.

· To complete projects you will need Microsoft Office 2010 Professional specifically Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Go to http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/FX100487411033.aspx?pid=CL1005710810331 to purchase and download Microsoft Office for Windows. Note that Microsoft Office 2007 for Windows and 2008 for Macintosh cannot use used.

• If you want to read the SAM user manuals, you will need the Adobe Reader software on your machine. Go to http://get.adobe.com/reader/ to download Adobe Reader.

Important Note

If you are using a computer lab PC, you should always ask the lab administrator before installing any software.

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2.3.2 Monitor Resolution

In order to use the SAM Content Player most effectively, your monitor must be set to a display resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher. This setting will enable SAM simulations to fully display on a 17-inch or larger monitor. If a lower resolution is used, you will need to scroll to view the entire simulation.

You can check what the current resolution is and change it using the following procedure:

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2.3.2.1 Windows XP

1. Go to your PC’s Desktop.

2. Right-click anywhere on the Desktop. A shortcut menu will display.

3. Select Properties from the shortcut menu. The Display Properties dialog box will display.

4. Click on the Settings tab. The current resolution will be displayed under Screen resolution.

5. If the current resolution less that 1024 x 768, drag the slider toward More until the desired setting is displayed. Note the current setting, so you can restore it later if desired, by using this same procedure, except you will drag the slider toward Less.

6. Click the OK button to save your changes and close the Display Properties dialog box.

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2.3.2.2 Windows Vista

1. Go to your PC’s Desktop.
2. Right-click anywhere on the Desktop. A shortcut menu will display.
3. Select Personalize from the shortcut menu. The Personalize appearance and sound dialog box will display.
4. Click on Display Settings. The Display Settings dialog box will display.
5. If the current resolution less that 1024 x 768, drag the slider toward High until the desired setting is displayed. Note the current setting, so you can restore it later if desired, by using this same procedure, except you will drag the slider toward Low.
6. Click the OK button to save your changes and close the Display Properties dialog box.

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2.3.2.3 Windows 7

1. Go to your PC’s Desktop.
2. Right-click anywhere on the Desktop. A shortcut menu will display.
3. Select Screen Resolution from the shortcut menu. The Screen Resolution dialog box will display.
4. Select 1024 x 768 from the Resolution menu. Note the current setting, so you can restore it later if desired, by using this same procedure.
5. Click the OK button to save your changes and close the Screen Resolution dialog box.

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2.3.2.4 Macintosh OS X

1. Select Systems Preferences from under the Apple menu.
2. Click on Displays under the Hardware category.
3. Select 1024x768 or higher from the Resolutions menu.
4. Click on the close icon to save your changes.
5. To restore the original resolution, repeat Steps 1 through 4 and select the old resolution.

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2.4 Tips for Macintosh Users

If you are using an Apple Macintosh laptop or desktop PC to access SAM 2010, the following tips will help:

• When asked to press the Windows <Ctrl> key, do the following: 
• If you are using a Macintosh with an Apple keyboard, use the <Apple> key instead.
• If you are using a Macintosh using a generic USB keyboard, you will generally use the <Ctrl> key, though on rare occasions the <Alt> key will be used for the same function.
• When asked to click on the right button of a Windows mouse, do the following:
• If you are using a single-button mouse or track pad, simultaneously press the <Options> key and click.
• If you are using a more recent MacBook that supports gestures, you can also touch the track pad with two fingers. Note that this needs to be activated in your System Preferences.
• If you are using a generic USB two-button mouse or track pad, use the right button as you would on Windows
• Apple keyboards do not differentiate between the <Backspace> and <Delete> keys like Windows or generic USB keyboards.  When called asked to use <Backspace> or <Delete> just press the <Delete> key.

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3 Logging into SAM

3.1 Logging in the First Time

3.1.1 Pre-Registered Users

If your institution has already registered you to use SAM 2010, use the following procedure when you first log into SAM:

1. Launch your web browser.
2. Enter http://sam2010.course.com into the Address field and press the Enter key. The SAM Office 2010 Login page will display.
3. Enter the username and password provided to you.
4. Click the Login button. SAM 2010 Terms and Conditions will display.
5. Click on the I Agree button if you accept the terms and conditions. If you do not accept the terms, click on the I Disagree button and you will be returned to the login page.
6. Enter your Secret Question and Answer. This will help you recover your password should you forget it.
7. Enter and confirm a new password. This will be the password you use the next time you log into SAM.
8. Click the OK button.

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3.1.2 New Users

If you institution has not pre-registered you to use SAM 2010, use the following procedure when you first log into SAM:

1. Launch your web browser.
2. Enter http://sam2010.course.com into the Address field and press the Enter key. The SAM Office 2010 Login page will display.
3. Click the New User button.
4. Enter your school’s Institution Key.
5. Click the Submit button. A message will display asking you to confirm the institution’s identity.
6. Click the OK button. If your school has a Key Code license, you will be prompted to enter it. If not, go to step 9. If you need to purchase a Key Code, go to http://www.cengagebrain.com.
7. Enter the 18-digit Key Code.
8. Click the Save button. The MY PROFILE page will display.
9. Enter your profile information:

Field type	Description
First name	Maximum 50 characters and cannot contain any of the following: % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,
Middle initial (optional)	Maximum 1 character
Last name	Maximum 50 characters and cannot contain any of the following: % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,
Username/Email	Must be 6 to 50 characters and cannot contain any of the following: % # ! \ / > < & ; : | , Note that your username cannot be changed once you save your profile.
Password	Must be 6 to 50 characters. Invalid characters include leading and ending spaces, and periods (.)
Alias (optional)	Minimum 6 characters; maximum 20 characters and cannot contain any of the following: % # ! \ / > < & ; : |
ID# (optional)	Maximum 20 characters
Communication Email (optional)	Maximum 128 characters
BlackBoard ID (optional)	Maximum 50 characters. Ask your instructor if this is required information for your institution.
WebCT ID (optional)	Maximum 50 characters. Ask your instructor if this is required information for your institution.
Secret Question	Select a secret question from the drop-down menu
Secret Answer	Enter an answer to the selected Secret Question

10. Click on the Save button to save the user information. The Revise and Confirmation page will display.
11. From here you can do one of the following:

· To change your profile information, click on the Revise button and modify the information as necessary and click the Save button again.

· To continue, click on the Confirm button. The Terms and Conditions page will display.

12. On the Terms and Conditions page, click the I Agree button if you agree to the terms, and begin using SAM.  The SAM Home page will display.  If you do not agree with the terms, click on the I Disagree button.  You will be returned to the SAM Login page.

Important Note

The Username/Email and Password you enter will also your login credentials for Cengage Brain (http://www.cengagebrain.com). If you already have a Cengage Brain account, use that Name and Password when registering for SAM 2010.

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3.2 Existing Users

If you are an existing user (i.e. you have completed your initial login to SAM 2010), use the following procedure to log in:

1. Launch your web browser.
2. Enter http://sam2010.course.com into the Address field and press the Enter key. The SAM Office 2010 Login page will display.
3. Enter your username and password.
4. Click the Login button. The Home page will display.

Important Notes

SAM 2010 2.0 and higher requires that your account’s Username be an email address. If your Username is not an email address, when you first log into SAM 2010 2.0, you will be prompted to enter an email address as your new Username. If your account also has a Communication Email address, that will display as a default. You can enter another email address if you wish. This only needs to be done once.

SAM 2010 2.0 and higher also supports single sign-on (SSO) with Cengage Brain (http://www.cengagebrain.com). In other words, you can use the same Username and Password for both systems. If you are a returning SAM 2010 user, the first time you log into the SAM 2010 2.0, SAM will check Cengage Brain for an existing account. If you do, you will be prompted to enter your Cengage Brain password instead of your SAM password. This will become your new SAM password. If you have forgotten your Cengage Brain password, click on the Forgot your password? link to retrieve it.

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4 Navigating SAM 2010

Once you log in to SAM 2010, you can select what functions you need to perform by clicking the appropriate button on the navigation bar on the left side of the page. Your options include:

• Home: From here you can view system messages, download software components and documentation, get technical support, and view tutorials.
• Sections: From here you see the course sections in which you are already enrolled and join sections that allow self-enrollment.
• SAM Assignments: From here you can select and work on your class assignments.
• Reports: From here you can generate and view performance related reports.

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5 Home

5.1 Downloading Documentation

You can download the SAM 2010 Student Manual to help you use SAM. Links to this document are listed on the right side of the Home page under Documentation. The manual is available in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. Viewing these documents requires the Adobe Reader software. This is likely already installed on your PC, but you can download it from http://get.adobe.com/reader/.

Important Note

If you are using a computer lab PC, you should always ask the lab administrator before installing any software.

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5.2 Receiving Messages

System messages display in the center part of the Home page. Please note any periods when SAM will not be available to you and schedule your work accordingly.

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5.3 Updating Your Account

Use the following procedure to update your SAM 2010 account.

1. On the upper right side of the page, click on the My Account link. The My Profile page will display.
2. Review the information and, if it needs to be changed, click on the Edit button.
3. Edit the information as necessary. Field values that have been grayed out cannot be changed. Name fields cannot contain any of the following characters: % # ! \ / > < & ; : | ,
4. If you want to change your password, click on the Change Password link. The Change Password window will open. Enter your Current Password, your New Password, Confirm Password, and click on the Save button.
5. When you are done, click on the Save button to save the changes to your account. If you do not want to save your changes, click on the Cancel button. You will see the message All new information will be lost. Proceed?
6. If you want to cancel the changes, click the OK button.  If you do not want to cancel the changes, click the Cancel button and return to Step 5.

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5.4 Getting Technical Support

You can get technical support by phone, email, or online chat.

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5.4.1 Phone Support

For phone support call 800-648-7450, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

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5.4.2 Email Support

Email your problems and questions anytime to tech.support@course.com.

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5.4.3 Online Chat Support

You can chat online with a support representative at any time.

1. Go to http://academic.cengage.com/support/.
2. Select SAM from the Student drop-down menu.
3. Click on Go. The SAM Support page displays.
4. From the SAM Support page, click on Chat Online.

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5.5 How Do I…?

SAM 2010 provides a number of tutorials about how to use SAM. Click on the links under “How Do I…” to view them.

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6 Sections

From Sections you can see the sections in which you are enrolled.  You can also enroll in new sections, if allowed by the instructor. The instructor can also enroll you when he or she sets up a section.

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6.1 Viewing Your Sections

To see what sections you are enrolled in, use the following procedure:

1. Click on the Sections button on the navigation bar. The MY SECTIONS page will display and you will see a list of sections in which you are enrolled.
2. To see information about a specific section, click on the section’s Name. The Section Details window will display.
3. When done, click the Close button. You will be returned to the MY SECTIONS page.

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6.2 Joining a Section

Use the following procedure to join a section. Note that you can only join sections where auto-enrollment is allowed by the instructor. Otherwise, you will be placed on the waiting list. The section’s instructor will then decide whether or not to enroll you.

1. Click on the Sections button on the navigation bar. The MY SECTIONS page will display and you will see a list of sections in which you are enrolled.
2. Click on the Join a Section button. You will see a list of available sections. If you want to see the sections offered by a particular instructor, select an instructor from the Instructor drop-down menu. You will see a list of his or her sections.
3. Select one or more sections from the menu. To select one section, just click on it. You can select several sections either by holding down the Ctrl key to select individual sections or by holding down the Shift key to select a range.
4. Click on the > button. This will add your selections to the My Sections menu. If you make a mistake, select any incorrect sections from the My Sections menu and click on the < to remove them. You can select multiple sections as you did above.
5. When done, click on the Save button. You will see a confirmation message.
6. Click the OK button to continue. You will be returned to the MY SECTIONS page.

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7 SAM Assignments

SAM Assignments lets you find and work on your exam, training and project assignments.

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7.1 Adding a Product

Depending on how your institution has licensed SAM 2010, you might need to enter Key Codes to use specific features like exams, training, or projects. If this is the case, your assignments will appear inactive until you add the necessary product using the following procedure:

1. Go to SAM Assignments.
2. Click the Add Product button. The Add Product window will display.
3. Enter the necessary product’s 18-digit Key Code. If you need to purchase a Key Code, go to http://www.cengagebrain.com.
4. Click the OK button. A message will display confirming the activation of the product.
5. Click the OK button. You will be returned to the MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page and the applicable assignments will now display as active.

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7.2 Searching For and Selecting an Assignment

Before you can work on an assignment, you first must search for and select it.

Click on the SAM Assignments button on the navigation bar. The MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page will display, listing your assignments. Assignments that are underlined and that have an Availability of Now are ready for you to work on. Assignments that are not underlined are not yet available. From here you can do any of the following:

• Begin an assignment by clicking on its name.
• Sort the list by clicking on a column heading.
• Narrow the list of assignments by selecting a Section and/or Assignment Type from the appropriate drop-down menu. You can also narrow the list by a range of dates. Once you have entered the criteria, click on the Search button.
• Update the assignment list by clicking on the Refresh Screen button.

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7.3 Taking an Exam

Use the following procedure to take an exam:

1. Select an exam assignment from the MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page. If your instructor has specified a password for the assignment, you will be prompted for it at this point. Enter the password and click on the OK button. The Assignment Details window will display listing pertinent information about the exam, including:
• The name of the assignment
• Instructions
• Incorrect actions allowed per task and question
• Whether or not the exam can be retaken
• The number of times an exam can be retaken
• The number of retakes you have remaining
2. Click the OK button. The Content Player will launch and the exam will begin. See section 7.5, Using the Content Player, for further information.
3. Follow the instructions listed.
4. Click on the exit button in the control panel or the X icon in the title bar to close the Content Player when you are done. A message will be displayed if there are any incomplete questions. Click on Yes if you still want to exit, or click on No to continue working on the exam. Any incomplete questions will be skipped and not graded.

Important Note

Before you start an exam, close all applications other than your browser, and any additional browser windows or tabs, unless otherwise indicated by your instructor. This will help ensure that the SAM Content Player performance does not slow. This is especially important if the exam is timed.

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7.4 Undergoing Training

Use the following procedure to undergo training:

1. Select a training assignment from the MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page. If your instructor has specified a password for the assignment, you will be prompted for it at this point. Enter the password and click on the OK button. The Assignment Details window will display, listing pertinent information about the training, including:
• The name of the assignment
• When the training is due
2. Click the OK button. The Content Player will launch and the training will begin. See section 7.5, Using the Content Player, for further information.
3. Follow the instructions listed.
4. Click on the exit button in the control panel or the X icon in the title bar to close the Content Player when you are done. A message will be displayed if there are any incomplete tasks. Click on Yes if you still want to exit, or click on No to continue working on the training.

Important Note

Before you start training, close all applications other than your browser, and any additional browser windows or tabs, unless otherwise indicated by your instructor. This will help ensure that the SAM Content Player performance does not slow.

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7.5 Using the Content Player

The SAM Content Player is used to take exams and undergo training.

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7.5.1 Content Player Areas

It is divided into three areas: Title Bar, Questions Area, and the Control Panel.

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7.5.1.1 Title Bar: Assignment Information

The title bar of the Content Player’s window lists general information about the assignment, including:

• Your name
• The name of the assignment

Note that if you are using IE 7 and SAM has not been added as a trusted site, this information will not display. For further information, see section 2.2.5, Establishing Trusted Sites.

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7.5.1.2 Question Area: Assignment Questions and Tasks

The question displays either the question you need to answer or the task you need to complete. Follow the displayed instructions.

If you are taking training, you will first see a window that describes the training task. Click on Continue to proceed with the training.

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7.5.1.3 Control Panel: Content Player Controls

The control panel at the bottom of the page displays the Content Player’s controls. These include:

• : These controls enable you to open and close the menu of questions. You can use this menu to select specific questions to answer and tasks to perform.
• : This controls display when you are using training. Observe mode provides audio and visual instructions for the task, Practice mode helps you perform the task by providing audio and visual prompts, and Apply mode lets you perform the task without assistance.
• : This control displays when you are taking an exam. It displays the ID of the current task or question.
• : These controls enable you to go to the previous or next questions in the task list.
• : This control displays when you are using training. It ends one training mode and takes you to the next. If clicked while in practice mode, it takes you to the next task.
• : These controls display when you are using training’s Observe and Practice modes. You can reset, rewind, pause, and fast forward through the demonstration of each task. You can also mute and un-mute the audio presentation.
• : These controls display when you are taking an exam. They indicate the time remaining for a timed exam and the number of attempts you have to answer the question or complete the task.
• : This control closes the Content Player. If there are any unanswered questions or complete tasks, you see the warning, There are unfinished tasks. Are you sure you want to exit? Click on Yes to exit or No to return to the session. If you exit, you will also see a summary of the session. You can click Print to print out the summary or Close to end the session. Important Note: Do not use the X window control to exit the Content Player. It can result in a loss of work.

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7.5.2 Recovering and Resuming from a Crash or Lost Connection

If for some reason your computer crashes or you lose your connection to SAM 2010 during an Exam or Training assignment, you can recommence it once conditions have returned to normal. Simply log in as you normally do, go to the SAM Assignments page, and re-select the assignment. The assignment in question will be displayed in red. The Content Player will begin where you left off and any complete questions and tasks will be saved.

If you have a problem logging back into SAM or re-starting the Content Player, try clearing your browser’s temporary Internet and history files using the following procedures:

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7.5.2.1 Internet Explorer 7

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Select Delete Browsing History under the Tools menu. The Delete Browsing History dialog box will open.
3. Click the Temporary Internet Files button.  A message will display asking you to confirm deletion.  Click the Yes button.
4. Click the History button.  A message will display asking you to confirm deletion.  Click the Yes button.
5. Click the Close button.

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7.5.2.2 Internet Explorer 8 and 9

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Select Delete Browsing History under the Tools menu. The Delete Browsing History dialog box will open.
3. Click the Temporary Internet Files and History checkboxes so they are checked.
4. Make sure the other checkboxes are not checked.
5. Click the Delete button.

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7.5.2.3 Firefox for Windows

1. Launch Firefox.
2. Select Clear Recent History under the Tools menu. The Clear Recent History dialog box will open.
3. Select the appropriate Time range to clear from the drop-down menu.  If in doubt, select Everything.
4. Click the Browsing & Download History and Cache checkboxes so they are checked.
5. Make sure the other checkboxes are not checked.
6. Click the Clear Now button.

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7.5.2.4 Safari for Macintosh

1. Launch Safari.
2. Select Reset Safari under the Safari menu. The Reset Safari dialog box will open.
3. Click the Clear History and Empty Cache checkboxes so they are checked.
4. Make sure the other checkboxes are not checked.
5. Click the Reset button.

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7.6 Working on a Project

Projects work differently from exam and training assignments. When working on a project, you download instructions and a start file to your computer. You then use the start file to complete your work with the appropriate Microsoft application, which must be installed on the PC you will use to complete the project. You then upload the completed file back to SAM 2010 for grading.

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7.6.1 Starting a Project

Use the following procedure to start a SAM Project assignment:

1. Select a SAM Project assignment from the MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page. If your instructor has specified a password for the assignment, you will be prompted for it at this point. Enter the password and click on the OK button. The Assignment Details window will display listing pertinent information about the SAM project.
2. Click the OK button. The Project page will display.
3. Under Instructions, click on the Download File link. A standard File Download dialog box will display.
4. Click the Open button to view the instructions or Save to save them in a directory on your PC, a file server, or removal drive.
5. Click the link under Start Files. A standard File Download dialog box will display. Note that this file has been created and named specifically for your use. SAM 2010 expects you will use the file to complete the project and submit it for grading. SAM 2010 will not accept any other start file from your SAM account.
6. Click the Open button to view the start file or Save to save the start file in a directory on your PC or a file server, or removal drive. You are now ready to work on the project.

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7.6.2 Submitting a Project

When you have finished working on your project, use the following procedure to submit it for grading:

1. Select the specific project assignment from the MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page. The Assignment Details window will display listing pertinent information about the SAM project.
2. Click the OK button. The Project page will display.
3. In order to submit a completed project for grading, you need to do the following first:

· Rename the start file as instructed under Grade Submissions. If you do not rename the file, it will be rejected by SAM 2010. You can either rename the file using Windows Explorer or open the file and select Save As from the application’s Office menu to create a copy of the start file with a different name. Using Save As has the advantage of giving you a backup of your work.

· In the case of an Access project, you need to compress the database prior to submission to SAM. From the Office menu, select Manage/Compact and Repair Database.

4. Click on the Browse button to the right of File Location. A standard Choose File dialog box will display.
5. Find the renamed file and click on the Open button to select it.
6. Click on the Submit button. The Upload Assignment page will display, indicating if there are any problems with the file. See section 7.6.3, Dealing with Project Errors, below.
7. Click on the Return to SAM Assignments button to be returned to the MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page.

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7.6.3 Dealing with Project Errors

When you submit a project for grading, SAM 2010 performs a number of checks:

• The imbedded key in the uploaded file matches the key assigned to your start file.
• The uploaded file name matches the name expected by SAM 2010.
• The file type matches that of the project’s start file. In other words, if a Word 2010 document (i.e., .docx extension) is expected, then a Word 2010 document needs to be uploaded.
• You did not use Office 2010 to complete the project.
• The file contains no viruses.
• The file does not exceed SAM 2010’s maximum file size (750 KB).

If the completed project file fails any of these tests during upload, it will not be accepted by SAM 2010, and you will see an appropriate alert. To resolve these problems, refer to the following:

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7.6.3.1 Wrong Key

If this occurs, you are not using the SAM 2010 account used to download the original start file. You need to log back into SAM 2010 using the correct start file and account.

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7.6.3.2 Wrong Name

If this occurs, you need to rename the file to the one expected by SAM 2010. Refer to the Project information on the MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page for the correct file name.

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7.6.3.3 Wrong Format

If this occurs, you changed the format of the project start file using the Save As function. For example, you might have saved a Word 2010 document (.docx) as a Word 97-2003 file (.doc). If this is the case, you should use the Save As function again to save the document using the format that SAM 2010 is expecting.

If you changed the document to something other than its native format (for example, you changed a Word document to an HTML document) and you do not have the original start file, you will need to download a new start file from the Project information on the MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page and start over.

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7.6.3.4 Wrong Application

This error occurs if you used an application other than Office 2010 to work on a project file.  SAM 2010 will reject project files created by applications such as:

• Office 2008 for Macintosh.
• WordPad for Windows.
• Office 2010 Starter Edition for Windows.
• Any version of the full Office 2007 suite (This requires SAM 2007).
• Any third-party application that supports Office 2010 file formats.

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7.6.3.5 Virus Detected

If this occurs, you need to run an anti-virus utility to disinfect your PC and any other PC on which the file might have been stored. Popular products include Norton AntiVirus and McAfee VirusScan.

The anti-virus utility will do one of two things to the project file.

• If possible, it will disinfect the project file and you should be able to submit it again for grading.
• The anti-virus utility could also quarantine or delete the file. If this is the case, you will need to download the project file again from the Project information on the MY SAM ASSIGNMENTS page and start over.

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7.6.3.6 Maximum File Size Exceeded

This occurs if the file you are uploading is more than 750 KB for Excel, PowerPoint, and Word Projects and 2 MB for Access projects. You should edit the file, removing any extraneous content, and then attempt to upload it again. In the case of an Access project, you need to compress the database prior to submission to SAM. From the Office menu, select Manage/Compact and Repair Database.

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8 Reports

SAM 2010 provides you with a wide variety of reports that enable you to track your performance.

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8.1 Generating Reports

When you are done with an exam, training, or project, you can generate reports showing your performance.

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8.1.1 Generating All Exam Results

If you would like to see a report listing all your Exam scores for all sections, do the following:

1. Click on Reports on the navigation bar. The MY REPORTS page will display.
2. Click on View All Results button. A separate browser window will open displaying the results.

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8.1.2 Generating Specific Reports

If you would like to see specific results regarding your exam, training, and project work, do the following:

1. Click on Reports on the navigation bar. The MY REPORTS page will display listing your completed assignments.
2. Select a Report Type from the drop-down menu (Exam, Training, or Project).
3. Select the specific Report you want from the other drop-down menu (Study Guide, Results, Certificate of Completion, or Training Progress).
4. Select an assignment by clicking on the applicable radio button.
5. Click on the Generate Report button. A separate browser window will open displaying the requested report.

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8.1.3 Downloading Submitted Projects

You can also download projects you have submitted for grading from the MY REPORTS page using the following procedure:

1. Click on Reports in the navigation bar. The MY REPORTS page will display listing your assignments.
2. Select Project from the Report Type drop-down menu. The list of your submitted projects will be displayed.
3. Ensure that Download Submitted Projects is selected in the Report drop-down menu.
4. Click on the Download link to the right of the applicable project assignment. A standard File Download dialog box will display.
5. Click the Open button to view the project, or Save to save it in a directory on your PC, a file server, or removal drive.

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8.2 Viewing Reports

Once you have generated a report, it will appear in a separate browser window. The report viewer includes the following controls at the top of the page:

• Click on the  button to go to the first page of the report.
• Click on the  button to go to the previous page.
• Enter a number in the Page Number and press the Enter key to go to a specific page.
• Click on the  button to go to the next page.
• Click on the  button to go to the last page.
• Select from the Zoom drop-down menu to increase or decrease the visual size of the report.
• Enter a search term in the Find Text field to search for specific words within the report, like a section name. Click on Find to find the first occurrence of the word, and then click on Next to find subsequent occurrences of the word.
• Click on the Print Using PDF link to convert the report to Adobe’s PDF format. If you select this, your PC will display a standard File Download dialog box. You have the following options:
• Click on the Open button to view the report using the Adobe Reader application. From here you can print the report, save it to your computer, email it to yourself, or perform any other function provided by the reader.
• Click on the Save button to store the PDF file to a directory on your PC, a file server, or a removal drive. Once saved, you can view, print, or email the report at some later time.

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9 Logging Out

Once you are done using SAM, click on the Logout link on the upper right of the page. You will be returned to the SAM Login page.

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