This guide will walk through how to configure Japanese keyboard settings for Windows devices (Windows OS 10 & 11). Mac and iPad users will be able to install the normal language pack for the Japanese keyboard and use this without further configuration. This information is included in our guide on configuring language settings and keyboards for use with Digiexam.
Step 1: Add additional keyboard languages
Add additional keyboard languages by using the keyboard language button that is located on the bottom right of the windows desktop screen within the navigation bar. Select "More keyboard languages" to begin adding the Japanese keyboard to your Windows devices language (figure 1).
figure 1
In the settings window that opens make sure to choose the "add a language" button that displays (figure 2). Here you will be able to choose the Japanese keyboard and language pack. This pack includes the keyboard settings as well as text-to-speech and dictation settings for the Japanese language. This installation may take some time to complete. We, at Digiexam, recommend that you complete this well in advance if you are planning on using this for an exam or assignment.
figure 2
Double check that the language pack is fully installed by clicking on the ellipsis next to the language and keyboard pack and navigating to the language and keyboard options (figure 3).
figure 3
Step 2: Configure Administrative Language Settings
This step involves changing administrative language settings for the user's device to allow for applications like Digiexam to use and display Japanese characters. This is done through the IME (Input Method Editor) that Windows has connected to the Japanese language pack you have just installed.
Within the same "Time and Language" settings on the Windows device you will also have the ability to set administrative language settings (figure 4).
figure 4
Clicking this option opens another window (figure 5) that will allow you to change the language for non-Unicode programs.
figure 5
Choose "Japanese" from the language options in this window. Also be sure to select "Beta: Use Unicode UTF-8" for apps and then select "Change system locale." A restart of the computer will apply these new settings, and allows Digiexam to use the characters generated by the IME directly in text responses that students write within the locked application.
Step 3: Using the Japanese language in Digiexam
The final step in this process is to open Digiexam on the Windows device. Be sure that the language for the computer is set to Japanese and that the IME settings are configured to Hiragana (figure 6).
figure 6
A student will need to check this each time the application is opened as the IME cannot remember any application's settings after the app has been closed.
Open a demo exam in Digiexam and test to see if you are able to write in the text field with Hiragana characters. If the IME toolbar is displaying in the top left corner you should click on the IME button at the bottom right of the screen and access the settings (figure 7).
figure 7
Ensure that the IME toolbar is turned to "off" as this will hide the displayed toolbar and instead place text suggestions directly into the text field in your Digiexam app.
Again, check to ensure that students are able to write directly in the text field in the Digiexam application. Students should experience that they can write and obtain suggestions for what words they are writing from within the Digiexam application (figure 8).
figure 8
Contact our support team if you require more assistance with the configuration of the Japanese language pack for Windows devices.
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