Topics on creating, assigning, and managing SIMpaths.
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Creating a SIMpath
Click the Create link in the SIMpaths section to select options for a new SIMpath.
Type a title for the SIMpath in the Title box.
Expand the Type menu and select SIMpath.
Expand the Pre-Test Scenario menu and select either SIMnet Exam - Scenario A or SIMnet Exam - Scenario B. This will determine which type of questions will be asked during the Pre-test.
Expand the Post-Test Scenario menu and select either SIMnet Exam - Scenario A or SIMnet Exam - Scenario B. This will determine which type of questions will be asked during the Post-test.
Click a radio button to select SIMnet content for Microsoft 2016 applications or Microsoft 2019. You can only add content from one or the other, and choosing here determines which you will be adding from in the next step.
Click the Next button to save the SIMpath and continue to the next page where you will be able to add questions to the SIMpath.
On the Questions tab, you can view the available list of questions by Textbook, Module, Exam, or Template. Click the radio button for the view you want.
The Textbook filter option displays all available questions for the selected textbook. If you want to further filter the list of available questions, expand the Chapter list, and select a specific chapter.
The Module filter option displays all available questions for the selected module or application. If you want to further filter the list by Microsoft exam objective, expand the MOS list, and select a specific objective.
The Exam filter options allows you to add questions from a previously created exam
The Template option allows you to add questions from a previously-created exam template.
In the Available Questions list, click the questions you want to add, and then click the Add button. As you add questions to the Assigned Questions list, SIMnet saves the SIMpath automatically
At any point while adding questions to a SIMpath, you can preview a question by moving your mouse over the question icon and then clicking the Preview Question button.
Use the Top, Bottom, Up, and Down buttons to reorder questions in the Assigned Questions list. When you reorder questions, SIMnet saves the new question order automatically.
To assign the SIMpath to a class and/or an individual student click the Class Assignments or Student Assignments tab to create the assignment(s). See the Edit/Assign SIMpaths section for more information.
How to create a new SIMpath report
A SIMpath Report allows you to view the latest SIMpath results for your entire class. There is no need to recreate the report every time you want an update. When you view a SIMpath report, the report will automatically update with the latest results for your entire class every time you view it.
Navigate to the SIMpaths section to select the SIMpath for which you want to view results.
Expand the Actions Menu and select View Report.
On the report screen, you will see all results for the specific SIMpath such as the date and time each portion was started and ended, time spent, and grades. Here, you can click the SIMpath title to open it or click the icon in the Delete column to delete a student's grade.
To modify the report settings, click the Edit button at the top of the screen (to the left of the Bookmark button and Actions menu). Expand the lists to select a specific Class or Campus and click the Enable Date Range checkbox to specify a date range. Click Save to save changes. This option is available to the SIMpath "owner" only.
Click the Bookmark button to create a bookmark for the report. Type a title for the bookmark and click Save. Your bookmarked report will now appear in the Reports section and the Bookmark button will no longer display at the top of the report page.
To see more report options, expand the Actions Menu, where you can choose to print, delete, or export the report results. You also have the option to delete all of the grades for the SIMpath.
How to archive a SIMpath
Archived SIMpaths will not display in any list or report within the Course Manager or Student Portal. The SIMpath will not be deleted but will appear in the Archived SIMpaths list under the Archive link in the SIMpaths section.
Click the Archive link in the SIMpath section.
Select the SIMpath you want to archive from the Active SIMpaths list.
Click the Add button to add the SIMpath to the Archived SIMpaths list.
To move a SIMpath back to the Active SIMpaths list, click the SIMpath name(s) in the Archived SIMpaths list, and then click the Remove button.
How to create a SIMpath template
A SIMpath Template is a SIMpath that is available for copying, but cannot be assigned directly to classes.
Click the Create link in the SIMpaths section to select options for a new SIMpath template. The process to create a new template is the same as creating a new lesson, SIMnet exam or test bank exam.
Type a name for the template in the Title box.
Expand the Type menu, and select the SIMpath Template.
Expand the Pre-Test Scenario and Post-Test Scenario menus to select which exam scenario questions will be used for each exam.
Click a radio button to select SIMnet content for Microsoft Office 2016 applications or Microsoft Office 2019. You can only add content from one or the other, and choosing here determines which you will be adding from in the next step.
Warning: Once a content type is selected, it may not be changed later.
Click the Next button to save the SIMpath template and continue to the next page.
Templates are available to all instructors who have permission to create lessons and exams from templates (all instructors except Assistants). Once an instructor creates an SIMpath from a template, the instructor is the "owner" of the exam and can edit it based on the rights and privileges assigned to that instructor's role. Full Instructors can change the skills or the preferences in the SIMpath. Limited Instructors can only assign the SIMpath and change the restrictions associated with the assignment.
To create a SIMpath from a template, click the Templates link in the SIMpaths section.
Expand the Actions Menu for the template you want to want to use and select Copy to SIMpath.
On the next screen, SIMnet automatically creates a SIMpath title for you or you can type your own.
Click the Next button to continue.
SIMnet automatically populates the questions for you, but you can add or remove questions or change the preferences if you have a Full Instructor account.
When you create a template using an existing SIMpath as the basis for the template, SIMnet will automatically populate the list of assigned questions for you.
Navigate to the SIMpaths section to search for the SIMpath you want to use as the basis for the template.
Expand the Actions Menu for the SIMpath you want to use and select Copy to Template.
Note: This action is only available for SIMpaths that you have created.
SIMnet automatically creates a title for you or you can type your own.
Click the Next button to continue.
SIMnet automatically opens to the Questions tab. Notice the Assigned Questions list is populated for you. You can add questions just as you would for a new SIMpath.
Search for SIMpaths and view options in the Actions Menu
When you click SIMpaths in the navigation menu, you can filter the list of SIMpaths by Locked, Pre-Test Scenario, Post-Test Scenario and Content.
Note: SIMpaths become Locked after a student has taken the SIMpath. Once the SIMpath is locked the content cannot be changed.
Depending on the user’s role, the Actions Menu for the SIMpath may include:
Preview Pre-Test opens the pre-test in a new window. This feature makes it easier for instructors to preview exactly what students see without requiring the instructor to actually login as a student.
Preview Lesson opens the complete lesson in a new window.
Preview Post-Test opens the complete post-test in a new window.
Snapshot shows the details of the SIMpath (including preferences and assignments) in a static window. This option is useful for instructors who do not have edit privileges for the SIMpath.
Print Snapshot prints the snapshot information.
Edit/Assign allows you to edit the SIMpath. Once the pre-test is locked, the lesson and post-test cannot be changed. The assignment details can always be changed. Only the SIMpath “owner” or the account Administrator can edit the exam. The Actions Menu is also available from the top of the Edit page.
Print Pre-Test allows you to print the list of questions in the Pre-Test.
Print Post-Test allows you to print the list of questions in the Post-Test.
View Report allows you to view the latest SIMpath results for your entire class directly from the Actions menu.
Copy to SIMpath copies the SIMpath to a new SIMpath. This option is available to the SIMpath “owner” only. If you want other instructors to be able to copy your materials, use Copy to Template instead.
Copy to Template creates a new template based on the selected SIMpath. Any instructor who has rights to create SIMpaths from templates has access to the template (Full Instructor and Limited Instructors, but not Assistants).
Delete erases the SIMpath, all assignments, and all results. Only the SIMpath “owner” or the account Administrator can delete the SIMpath.
How to edit a SIMpath and assign SIMpaths to a class or individual student
You can edit the contents of a SIMpath and/or assign the SIMpath to a specific class or student by selecting the Edit/Assign option in the Actions Menu for the SIMpath you want to change.
Click the SIMpaths section to navigate to the main page.
Expand the Actions Menu for the SIMpath you want to edit and select Edit/Assign to navigate to the Questions tab.
On the Questions tab, add questions to or remove questions from the SIMpath as necessary. If the SIMpath is locked, you will be unable to edit the Question list.
Note: Only the SIMpath “owner” or the account Administrator can edit the questions in the SIMpath.
Note: A SIMpath becomes locked when a student takes an assignment and the questions may not be changed once the SIMpath is locked.
Modifying SIMpath results is a bit different than other results. It may require deleting an attempt multiple times to reset to the desired level. See Deleting Attempts
Click the Class Assignments tab to display a list of available classes. Click the class you want to assign the SIMpath to, and then click the Add button. When the SIMpath Assignment Details window appears, edit assignment preferences such as scheduling, gradebook options, and restrictions. See the for more information.
Click the Student Assignments tab to display a list of available students. Click the student you want to assign the SIMpath to, and then click the Add button. When the SIMpath Assignment Details window appears, edit assignment preferences such as scheduling, gradebook options, and restrictions. See the for more information.
How to set preferences for a SIMpath
When you are finished adding questions, click the SIMpath Preferences tab. The default preferences for your account are applied automatically. To change the preferences, click the Edit button.
The Scenario line identifies from which question pool the Pre-Test questions use.
Select the Allow to skip pre-test checkbox to allow the student to skip the pre-test and go straight to the Lesson.
By default, SIMnet will create a custom lesson for the student based on the questions skipped or answered incorrectly in the Pre-Test. If you want all students to see all the tasks in the Lesson, select the Show complete lesson checkbox.
To allow students to skip the Lesson, select the Allow to skip lesson checkbox.
Click the Allow access between Post-Test attempts checkbox to allow students to take the Lesson before completing the post-test.
Note: For an adaptive lesson uncheck the Show complete lesson option.
Note: When using an adaptive lesson, pre-test points will carry forward automatically to the lesson grade. For example, if a student earns an 8/10 on the pre-test, the lesson grade will start with 8/10 and the student will only be presented the ability to complete the 2 remaining points.
Expand the Scenario menu to edit the scenario for the Post-Test. After selecting the Pre-Test scenario when you create the SIMpath, you cannot change it.
To show the full Post-Test, select the Show complete post-test checkbox. If this option isn't selected, the Post-Test will only include questions missed on the Pre-Test.
Note: For an adaptive lesson uncheck the Show complete lesson option.
Note: When using an adaptive post-test, pre-test points will carry forward automatically to the post-test grade. For example, if a student earns an 8/10 on the pre-test, the post-test grade will start with 8/10 and the student will only be presented the ability to complete the 2 remaining points.
The Objective Reference (SLO) option identifies which SLO is associated with questions. Select a textbook series from the drop-down list to view the SLOs.
Select Allow Assignment Preference Override to allow instructors to edit the Time Limit/Unlimited Time, Hide Timer, Allow to Pause Exam, Exam Attempts Allowed, and Question Attempts when assigning this SIMpath to a course or to a student
Click the Save button to save your changes.
Click Cancel at any time and any changes to the preferences will not be saved.
To save these preferences as the default setting for your account, click the Make Default button.
How to copy a SIMpath
Copying SIMpaths allows you to copy an existing SIMpath to a new SIMpath or SIMpath template. This option is only available for SIMpaths you have created yourself. If you want other instructors to be able to copy your materials, use Copy to Template instead. See the SIMpath Templates section for more information.
Click the SIMpaths section in the left Navigation to find the SIMpath you want to copy.
Expand the Actions menu for the SIMpath you want to copy and select Copy to SIMpath.
SIMnet provides a title automatically. You can accept this title or type in your own.
Click Next to create the new SIMpath or template and continue adding questions and assignments just as you would for any other SIMpath.
How to set preferences for a SIMpath Pre-Test
To set preferences specifically for the Pre-Test, click the Pre-Test Preferences tab. The default preferences for your account are applied automatically. To change the preferences, click the Edit button.
Set the following preferences in the Pre-Test Properties section on the Pre-Test Preferences tab. If you have set the Allow Assignment Preferences Override in the SIMpath Prefs section, the settings with an asterisk (*) can be edited when setting SIMpath Assignment Prefs.
Set the maximum amount of time a student has to take the Pre-Test in the Time Limit box.
Select the Unlimited Time check box to allow the student an unlimited amount of time to complete the Pre-Test.
Select the Hide Timer check box to hide the timer from the student while taking the Pre-Test.
Select the Allow to Pause Exam check box to let the student save the Pre-Test, exit, and continue at a later date. Exam results are always saved in real-time regardless of this setting.
Enter the Question Attempts Allowed, up to 99. This is the total number of attempts, not the number of retries.
Enter the number of Exam Attempts Allowed, up to 99. The student will see the maximum number of attempts allowed for the Pre-Test in the Student Portal.
To display questions in random order, click the Random Question Order check box. If selected, the list of Pre-Test questions will appear in a different order for each student.
To allow students to advance to the next question while getting a wrong answer, select the Advance on Incorrect check box. This option is only available if Display Feedback is enabled.
To display correct and incorrect feedback to students during the exam, select the Display Feedback check box.
If you want the Pre-Test to move to the next question even when the user answers incorrectly, select the Advance on Incorrect check box. This option is only available if Display Feedback is enabled.
To display hints after incorrect answers, select the Display Hints check box. This option is only available if Display Feedback is enabled.
Set the following preferences in the Pre-Test Results section on the Pre-Test Preferences tab.
Select the Enable Printing check box to allow students to print the Exam Results page.
Click the check box for Detailed Feedback to include the question list on the results page showing students which questions were answered correctly and incorrectly.
Select the Display Submitted Answer check box to show students their answers. This applies to both correctly and incorrectly answered questions.
Click the Show Study Guide check box to display the page references from the textbook selected in the Textbook list. The list of textbooks available is controlled by your account Administrator.
Click the Save button to save your changes.
Click Cancel at any time and any changes to the preferences will not be saved.
If you modify any preferences and want to save them, click the Make Default button. Next time you create a new exam, these will be your default preferences.
How to set preferences for a SIMpath Post-Test
Setting preferences is the same for a Post-Test as it for a Pre-Test. To set preferences specifically for the Post-Test, click the Post-Test Preferences tab. The default preferences for your account are applied automatically. To change the preferences, click the Edit button.
Set the following preferences in the Post-Test Properties section on the Post-Test Preferences tab. If you have set the Allow Assignment Preferences Override in the SIMpath Prefs section, the settings with an asterisk (*) can be edited when setting SIMpath Assignment Prefs.
Set the maximum amount of time in minutes a student has to take the Post-Test in the Time Limit box.
Select the Unlimited Time check box to allow the student an unlimited amount of time to complete the Post-Test.
Select the Hide Timer check box to hide the timer from the student while taking the Post-Test.
Select the Allow to Pause Exam check box to let the student save the Post-Test, exit, and continue at a later date. Exam results are always saved in real-time regardless of this setting.
Enter the number of Exam Attempts Allowed, up to 99. The student will see the maximum number of attempts allowed for the Post-Test in the Student Portal.
Enter the Question Attempts Allowed, up to 99. This is the total number of attempts, not the number of retries.
To display questions in random order, click the Random Question Order check box. If selected, the list of Post-Test questions will appear in a different order for each student.
To allow students to advance to the next question while getting a wrong answer, select the Advance on Incorrect check box. This option is only available if Display Feedback is enabled.
To display correct and incorrect feedback to students during the exam, select the Display Feedback check box.
If you want the Post-Test to move to the next question even when the user answers incorrectly, select the Advance on Incorrect check box. This option is only available if Display Feedback is enabled.
To display hints after incorrect answers, select the Display Hints check box. This option is only available if Display Feedback is enabled.
Set the following preferences in the Post-Test Results section on the Post-Test Preferences tab.
Select the Enable Printing check box to allow students to print the Exam Results page.
Click the check box for Detailed Feedback to include the question list on the results page showing students which questions were answered correctly and incorrectly.
Select the Display Submitted Answer check box to show students their answers. This applies to both correctly and incorrectly answered questions.
Click the Show Study Guide check box to display the page references from the textbook selected in the Textbook list. The list of textbooks available is controlled by your account Administrator.
Click the Save button to save your changes.
Click Cancel at any time and any changes to the preferences will not be saved.
If you modify any preferences and want to save them, click the Make Default button. Next time you create a new exam, these will be your default preferences.
Setting assignment preferences for SIMpaths
When you click the Add button to assign a SIMpath to a class or individual student, the SIMpath Assignment Details window will appear where you can set several preferences for the assignment.
Edit the Assignment Title to change the name of this exam assignment only for the individual Course or Student.
Select the Show Assignment checkbox so the SIMpath appears in the student portal. When unchecked, the SIMpath will not be visible for students regardless of scheduling options.
Select the Enable Schedule by Dates to set a start date, due date, and/or end date for the assignment. By default, the assignment has this option enabled, with the current date and time as the SIMpath Start Date. You must either set an End Date for the Pre-Test, Lesson, Post-Test, or entier SIMpath, or disable scheduling to save the assignment. You can type in the SimPath Start Date, Post-Test Due Date or SIMpath End Date box, or click the Date Picker icon to select a date or time. Once you set the Pre-test End Date, use the down arrow to set the same date and time for the Lesson End Date, Post-test Due Date and Post-test End Date.
If desired, you can set a Post-Test Grade Delay Results Until date. This will only allow students to see their Post-Test results on or after the date and time you specify.
Edit the Time Limit to the desired total time in minutes for each exam attempt or click the Unlimted Time check box for an untimed exam.
Select Hide Timer to remove the countdown timer from the student's view when taking the exam.
Select the Allow to Pause Exam check box to let the student pause the exam, exit, and continue at a later date. Exam results are always saved in real-time regardless of this setting.
Enter the Question Attempts Allowed, up to 99. This is the total number of attempts the student can make to answer a question, not the number of retries.
Select an option for Display Hint to determine if and when the hint will be displayed in the Let Me Try exercises in the Lesson. You can select Always, Never, or choose to display the hint after a student has incorrectly answered a certain number of times.
Select an option for Require completion of to determine what exercise(s) the student must complete to mark the skill in the Lesson as completed. You can choose any combination of the Show Me, Guide Me and/or Let Me Try exercises.
Select the Enable skill set navigation checkbox to allow students to navigate between exercises of the same type without returning to the Lesson page and clicking on the Show Me, Guide Me, or Let Me Try button.
Edit the Time Limit to the desired total time in minutes for each exam attempt or click the Unlimted Time check box for an untimed exam.
Select Hide Timer to remove the countdown timer from the student's view when taking the exam.
Select the Allow to Pause Exam check box to let the student pause the exam, exit, and continue at a later date. Exam results are always saved in real-time regardless of this setting.
Enter the number of Exam Attempts Allowed, up to 99. The student will see the maximum number of attempts allowed for the exam in the Student Portal.
Enter the Question Attempts Allowed, up to 99. This is the total number of attempts the student can make to answer a question, not the number of retries.
Select the Show Column in Gradebook checkbox to include a column for the Pre-Test in the Gradebook and allow SIMnet to automatically record the grade.
Select a Points option to determine how the grade will be recorded in the Gradebook. Select Assignment Default points to show the grade with the default point allowances where each question in the exam will be worth one point. Select Override Points to enter the number of points you would like the exam to be worth. SIMnet will automatically calculate the worth of each question when calculating the grade.
Click the Display Type menu to select how the grade will display and be calculated in the Gradebook.
Select the Show Column in Gradebook checkbox to include a column for the Lesson in the Gradebook and allow SIMnet to automatically record the grade.
Select a Points option to determine how the grade will be recorded in the Gradebook. Select Assignment Default points to show the grade with the default point allowances where each skill in the Lesson will be worth one point. Select Override Points to enter the number of points you would like the Lesson to be worth. SIMnet will automatically calculate the worth of each skill when calculating the grade.
Click the Display Type menu to select how the grade will display and be calculated in the Gradebook.
Select the Show Column in Gradebook checkbox to include a column for the Post-Test in the Gradebook and allow SIMnet to automatically record the grade.
In the Late Submission Deduction for each late drop-down box select from Assignment, Day, or Hour to assess a late submission deduction each time that option passes. The late Assignment option is only assessed if the assignment is late at all. The late Day option is assessed for each day the user submits their assignment after the Due Date. The late Hour option is assessed each hour the user submits their assignmetn after the Due Date.
Set a number in the Late Submission Deduction box to determine which percentage of the assignment points will be deducted from the student's score if the assignment is submitted after the due date.
Set the Lowest Possible Grade for Late Submission to set a floor for late submission deductions. Grades below that threshold will not receive additional penalties for being late. Grades above that threshold will receive penalties until they have crossed that threshold. The value of the lowest possible grade must be low enough for at least a single Late Submission Deduction.
Select a Points option to determine how the grade will be recorded in the Gradebook. Select Assignment Default points to show the grade with the default point allowances where each question in the Post-Test will be worth one point. Select Override Points to enter the number of points you would like the Post-Test to be worth. SIMnet will automatically calculate the worth of each question when calculating the grade.
Click the Display Type and/or the Calculation Type menus to select how the grade will display and be calculated in the Gradebook.
Select the Allow Open Book checkbox to allow students to have access to SIMnet lessons and SIMbooks during the Pre-Test.
Type a password in the Password box to require a password for the Pre-Test assignment only.
Expand the Click to modify IP Filter bar to restrict the Pre-Test to be available from specific IP addresses only.
Type a password in the Password box to require a password for the Lesson assignment only.
Expand the Click to modify IP Filter bar to restrict the Lesson to be available from specific IP addresses only.
Select the Allow Open Book checkbox to allow students to have access to SIMnet lessons and SIMbooks during the Post-Test.
Type a password in the Password box to require a password for the Post-Test assignment only.
Expand the Click to modify IP Filter bar to restrict the Post-Test to be available from specific IP addresses only.
Click the Save button to create the assignment.
Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving the assignment.
If this SIMpath has the Allow Assignment Preference Override selected, options in this section can be edited. If not, options in this section will not. For more, review SIMpath Prefs.
Click the Reset to Pre-Test Exam Defaults button to restore the selections in this exam assignment to the settings for the Exam in SIMpath Prefs.
If this SIMpath has the Allow Assignment Preference Override selected, options in this section can be edited. If not, options in this section will not. For more, review SIMpath Prefs.
Click the Reset to Post-Test Exam Defaults button to restore the selections in this exam assignment to the settings for the Exam in SIMpath Prefs.
When using Late Submission Deductions on SIMpaths in combination with deselecting the Show Complete Post-test option in the SIMpath Prefs it is possible for a user to lower their grade when attempting their Post-test late. This can occur when the student receives a high score on the Pre-test (example: 19/20) and then there is a late penalty that is higher percentage than each question is worth (example: 10%). In this example student would enter the Post-test with a 95%, which could be improved by answering their 1 remaining question correctly, resulting in a 100%. Once the late penalty was assessed, the resulting grade would be a 90%.
