Welcome to the official SMOWL guide. In this article, you will learn step-by-step how to download and install SMOWL CM on your computer. We will also explain how this tool works during your exams so that you can take your tests with complete confidence and success.
SMOWL CM (Computer Monitoring) is a supervision software designed to monitor your computer's activity during online evaluations. Its main purpose is to guarantee academic integrity, ensuring that the rules established by your institution or university are met.
What exactly does SMOWL CM do?
This software reviews the programs you have open and the actions you perform on your system while the exam is active. This is always done under the specific conditions that your professor or study center has previously defined. By using it, you contribute to creating a fair evaluation environment for all students.Preparations prior to download and installation
Before proceeding with the installation
It is essential that you prepare your equipment to avoid technical conflicts. Follow these prior steps to ensure a fluid experience:
Uninstall old versions: If you have used SMOWL before and have a previous version (such as 4.0.0), you must remove it from your computer before installing the new version.
Locate your download link: Do not download the software from external sources. Always access your learning platform (Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, etc.) to find the official link provided by your institution.
Verify administration permissions: If you use a computer from a company or a public institution, make sure you have permissions to install new programs. On corporate computers, you may need to contact your organization's IT department.
Minimum System Requirements
For SMOWL CM to function correctly, your computer must meet the following minimum technical requirements:
Windows: Version 10 or higher.
macOS: Version Big Sur or higher.
Linux: Compatible with Ubuntu 20, Ubuntu 22, and Mint 21 distributions.
In addition, we recommend having a stable internet connection and sufficient disk space for the installation of the executable.How to download SMOWL CM from your platform.
The download link is found within your course
On the learning platform. Depending on which platform your institution uses, the location may vary slightly:
Moodle / OpenLMS: Look for the "Monitoring Block" on the side or in the main section of your course.
Blackboard / Canvas / D2L: A download button usually appears within the SMOWL tool integrated into the course content.
Within the monitoring block, identify the computer icon 💻. When you click on it, the download options will open.
Step-by-step installation according to your operating system
Once the file is downloaded, follow the specific instructions for your operating system:
Installation on Windows
Locate the downloaded file (usually in the "Downloads" folder) and double-click on it.
If Windows displays a security warning, click on "More information" and then on "Run anyway".
Follow the steps of the installation wizard until finished.
Once finished, the software will be ready to be detected by your browser.
Installation on macOS
Open the downloaded .dmg file.
Drag the SMOWL CM icon to your "Applications" folder.
IMPORTANT: When opening it for the first time, macOS will ask you for "Screen Recording" and "Accessibility" permissions. You must grant them in System Settings for monitoring to be effective.
If the system blocks the opening because it is from an identified developer, go to Settings > Privacy and Security and select "Open anyway".
Installation on Linux
Download the package compatible with your distribution (Ubuntu or Mint).
Open the terminal or use your system's package installer.
Follow the standard installation commands for .deb packages.
Make sure that system dependencies are updated.
Using SMOWL CM for the first time
When you run the software for the first time together with your browser, it will ask you for communication permissions. It is vital that you select the option "Always Allow" or "Always open these types of links". This way, you will prevent the system from asking you during each exam and you will streamline the access process.
Recommended Browsers
To ensure the best compatibility with SMOWL CM, we strongly recommend using Chromium-based browsers. The best options are:
Google Chrome (updated version).
Microsoft Edge (updated version).
The use of other non-Chromium-based browsers could cause errors in the detection of the tool during the verification phase.
Verification before starting the exam
Before entering your assessment activity, you must check that the software is connected correctly. In the monitoring block of your platform, you will see a status indicator:
SMOWL CM not detected (Gray/Red Icon): The software is not running or the browser is blocking communication. Check if you have opened the program and accepted the permissions.
Connecting (Icon in progress): The system is establishing the link. Wait a few seconds.
SMOWL CM connected (Blue Icon): Everything is ready! The system is already monitoring and you can access the exam.
Connecting SMOWL CM | SMOWL CM not detected | SMOWL CM engaged |
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During the verification phase, SMOWL CM will open in a small window on your computer, waiting for you to access the activity.
Operation during monitoring
When you access a monitored activity, you will see that the appearance of the tool changes. It will go from "Waiting" to "System activated".
At this moment, the tool will show the status "Activity in progress" and a red button with the text TERMINATE will appear. It is essential that you do not close this window manually while you are taking the exam, unless you have finished the submission.
Unpermitted applications
Remember that you must close any application that is not permitted by your institution. Messaging programs, music players like Spotify, or screen capture tools must be closed to avoid alerts for non-compliance with regulations.
Managing alerts and common errors
Sometimes, the monitoring box may indicate that SMOWL CM is not being detected, even if you have the tool open and the "Terminate" button visible. If this happens:
Refresh the page: Press F5 or the reload button on your browser. This usually restarts the communication between the web and the software.
Check permissions: Make sure there are no pending notices in the browser's address bar.
Restart the tool: Close SMOWL CM completely and launch it again from your course block.
If the problem persists after these steps, immediately contact the teaching staff or your institution's technical support.Correct finalization and closing
Closing the session correctly is just as important as starting well, so that your data is processed without errors:
On your exam platform, click "Submit all and finish".
Once the submission is confirmed on the platform, go to the SMOWL CM window.
Click the red "Terminate" button and then "Confirm".
If you try to close the activity without having finished in the tool, SMOWL CM will launch a warning message asking if you have really finished the exam. Always make sure to confirm the closing.
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If you close the activity without closing SMOWL CM the tool will ask you if you have finished the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. I cannot find the download link.
The link is specific to each institution. If it does not appear in the side block of your Moodle or Canvas course, contact your professor to indicate the exact location.
2. The software tells me that a version is already installed.
You must go to the Control Panel (Windows) or Applications (macOS) and uninstall any trace of SMOWL before running the new installer.
3. Does SMOWL CM affect my computer's performance?
The software is optimized to consume few resources, but we recommend closing unnecessary browser tabs for a better experience.
4. Does my camera stop working if I use SMOWL CM?
No. SMOWL CM handles system monitoring. Camera monitoring is an independent functionality. The computer icon (CM) and the camera icon are distinct and do not affect each other.
By following these steps, your computer will be ready to perform any supervised test with complete security.
Do you have more questions?
Consult our related articles or contact our support team through the chat. You can open it by clicking on the blue owl located in the lower right corner of this page.