Supervised online exams

Students using a Mac computer will need to ensure that their operating system is MacOS 13 Ventura or higher. Refer to the Deakin computing requirements for device minimum standards.

You will sit the exam online using your own computer while being supervised via webcam. You and your screen are recorded through automated, recorded supervision.

• At all times you must follow the exam rules and conditions.
• You must follow the directions given by the exam supervision technology.
• You will complete an exam using CloudDeakin Quiz.
• You will be supervised via webcam through Integrity Advocate automated and recorded supervision.
• Exams may have some restrictions on what you can access.
• It is your responsibility to check your unit site to confirm what resources are allowable for your exam.

Check the Examination section under the Content menu in your unit site for further information.

Supervised online exam rules

Materials permitted during the exam

For full details on allowable resources, students should refer to their unit site.

Materials not permitted during the exam

Under Regulation 04.1(2) – Academic Misconduct, it is considered an act of academic misconduct to have, possess, access, or use any material or item not allowed under the instructions for that examination, whether or not it is with the intention of using it to gain an advantage.

Exam date

The exam timetable is released via StudentConnect. If your location is incorrect in StudentConnect, contact Student Central immediately to have it updated. You can also change your exam location via the Nominate or Change of exam location form.

Exam time

The exam begins at the time specified in the EoUA timetable on StudentConnect. Time is shown in either Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) or Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Convert exam times to your local time by using a World Time Zone Converter.

Exam duration

You have a fixed period of time to complete the exam. Time begins at the scheduled exam start time. An additional 30 minutes is provided to allow time for reading (15 minutes) and for technical support (15 minutes).

Location

To sit an online exam, you will need:

• A quiet, private, and well-lit space in your home or office where you will not be disturbed. Public or shared spaces may not be suitable.
• A desk or table, and a chair. It is not suitable to sit on a couch or bed.

Technology

You will provide your own technology to sit the online exam. You will need:

• A desktop or laptop computer using a currently supported Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS operating system. Refer to the Deakin computing requirements for currently supported operating systems and device minimum standards. Mobile devices are not supported by the university for use in exams.
• A single screen. If you have a second monitor it must duplicate your laptop screen. Dual or extended screens are not allowed.
• A working webcam.
• A power source to plug in your computer.
• A reliable internet connection.
• A recommended internet browser (both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended by the university).

If you are using a VPN, turn it off before starting the exam.

China based exams

If you are based in China you must use the Microsoft Edge browser.

Identity check

You must present proof of identity via the webcam before starting the exam. You will need official photographic identification such as your Deakin Student Card, a driver's licence, passport or national identity card. Your identification will be recorded for verification.

You should make yourself ready in your chosen examination location with sufficient time to check your exam environment and equipment. You can help to make your online exam as smooth as possible by preparing early and knowing what to expect. Before the exam period commences, you should:

1. Watch the video above, which provides an overview of how to prepare for your exam.
2. Read the exam rules. Check your unit site for specific details regarding allowable resources.
3. Do the Try-It-Out exam to test your webcam and internet connection.
4. Source an alternative internet or location if your internet connectivity is poor or unstable.
5. Check your browser version is up to date (Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome).
6. Know what to do on exam day.
7. Know how to get help during the exam.

Try-It-Out exam

The Try-It-Out exam is a short, compulsory exam that helps you to test the suitability of your webcam and internet connections, check your setup and troubleshoot issues before exams commence. Information about how to access and sit the Try-It-Out exam will be made available in your unit site.

You should complete it on the computer you will use for the exam. You can repeat it if you need to change your computer.

Ensure you do this well before the exam period to identify and troubleshoot any issues.

Troubleshooting

Contact Integrity Advocate via Live Chat or call +61 2 4050 0222 for assistance with technical issues.

You can also contact the IT Service Desk .

See the tips for improving online exam performance (PDF, 315.2KB) document and the Troubleshooting FAQs (PDF, 172.7KB) document for resolving technical issues.

Access the exam

You must start your exam at the scheduled exam start time. The examination system will show the exam duration and a timer counting down the time left in an exam. It is your responsibility to keep track of the time left as a time warning is not provided.

1. Prepare a copy of the Troubleshooting FAQs (PDF, 172.7KB) document for easy access during the exam.
2. Start at the time shown in your exam timetable.
3. Turn off other internet connected devices to improve your internet connectivity.
4. Restart your computer. To maintain an adequate RAM level, keep the opened files, applications and tabs to a minimum if your exam allows access to these resources. Otherwise, close any other files or applications (if opened) except for the browser you are going to use to sit the exam.
5. Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your browser.
6. Open CloudDeakin and go to your unit site.
7. Click Assessment in the menu, and then Quizzes.
8. Select the exam to start.

System check

Integrity Advocate will conduct a system check to make sure your system is working. If you have problems, contact Integrity Advocate via Live Chat or call +61 2 4050 0222 for assistance.

Identity check

You must present official photographic identification such as your Deakin Card (student ID card), a drivers licence, passport or national identity card, at every examination you sit. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your identity check.

• Take a snapshot of your face. Make sure your face is clearly shown. Retake if necessary.
• Present your photo identification to the webcam, ensuring it is close enough to fill the on-screen frame. Make sure your details and photo are clearly captured and readable. If the image is too small or too blurry to read, retake it.

During exam

• Save your written responses regularly and at least every 2 minutes.
• DO NOT close the exam window or the Stop Sharing button unless you have been disconnected from the exam.
• If your exam allows access to resources:
  • Close tabs, files and applications once you have finished using them during the exam.
  • Close all tabs, files and applications before submitting the exam.

Submission

You must submit your exam within the allowed time.

• You will see a countdown timer in the CloudDeakin Quiz.
• Once the time is over, you cannot answer further questions and the exam will be automatically submitted.
• An on-screen message will confirm your exam submission. Email confirmation will not be sent to you.
• If you were unable to submit your exam due to a technical issue, it will be automatically submitted once the exam finish time has passed.

For help with technical issues during the exam:

• Contact Integrity Advocate via Live-Chat or call +61 2 4050 0222 for assistance with access or authentication.
• Call the Deakin IT Service Desk (Australia 1800 463 888 | International +61 3 5227 8888).
• Keep your support ticket number as evidence of technical issues.
• Refer to the Troubleshooting FAQs (PDF, 209.6KB) document for common issues.

Disconnection from the exam

If your internet fluctuates or drops out, you may be disconnected from the exam.

• While you are disconnected, the exam timer keeps ticking.
• If your internet connection is restored before the end of the exam finish time, you can reconnect to the exam and continue. You will need to repeat the system and identity checks if you have been disconnected for 5 minutes or more.
• For further information on how to avoid being disconnected, refer to tips for improving online exam performance document.

Technical issues impacting your exam

If you experience technical issues during the exam that you believe impacted your performance, you can consider applying for special consideration. You must apply within 3 days of your exam. Attach screenshots of your issue, your IT support request and number.

Please note if you apply for special consideration, where successful, you only have the option to re-sit the exam in the following Supplementary EoUA/exam period. Your current exam will not be marked (even if you might pass it).

Unable to sit an online exam

If you are unable to provide a suitable location, or meet conditions necessary to sit an online exam, contact Student Central for advice.

Booking an on-campus space to sit your exam

If you have a compelling reason that will prevent you from completing your exam at your location, submit your request via the Registration Form. Your request will be considered based on your individual case and the availability of space.

• This form is an expression of interest only. On-campus spaces are very limited and allocation cannot be guaranteed. We will contact you in the coming weeks to confirm if a space is available and reserved for you.
• Please be aware that the offered spaces are shared by other students.
• Please only put in a request if it’s absolutely necessary. As spaces are limited, unnecessary bookings may prevent access for other students with significant needs.

Special assistance required to complete an exam

If you require special assistance to sit a supervised online exam, contact the Disability Resource Centre at least 2 weeks before the exam period. If adjustments to your exam are approved, you will be advised via email.

Your data and images will be handled in accordance with Deakin's Privacy Policy. For more information, refer to the Supervised Online Exams Disclosure Statement (PDF, 120.1KB).

Recordings will be stored on the third-party servers of our online supervision service provider, Integrity Advocate. These recordings are viewed by Integrity Advocate reviewers for the purposes of verifying that academic integrity has been maintained. Recordings are deleted in 24 hours (unless further verification is required) and all other data within 12 months. Deakin may collect the data of your examinations from Integrity Advocate and will retain these securely in accordance with legal record-keeping obligations.