Online Scheduled Timed Examinations

• Create a good study area as best you can, with good lighting and minimal distractions.
• Organise your time and prepare a study planner or revision schedule that suits you and your learning style.  Use all the available resources including your own lecture notes, the material available in Brightspace, past exam papers and other resources recommended by your module coordinator. 
• Check each of your end of trimester assessments to confirm the type of exam and include this information in your study plan. The delivery (whether online or in-person) will be specified in the timetable. 
• Try to avoid studying when you are tired or cramming the night before—it’s not very effective and you will also be tired when the time comes to sit the exam. Study hard but set reasonable goals for yourself.
• Make sure you are clear on any meanings of words or concepts and fully understand them before trying to study or memorise information.

TIMINGS…check when your assessments are taking place

• Check your exam timetable carefully on the UCD Assessment website for each exam to ensure you know when it is scheduled to take place.
• A block of time (normally a minimum of 3 hours) is assigned in the timetable, but this does not mean that 3 or more hours is available to complete the exam. The specific details of the exam will be provided by the module coordinator, e.g. start time, exam duration, finish time and any additional time allowed to download/upload/submit the exam.
• Prepare your computer and your study area well in advance and be online and ready to take your exam at least 15 minutes before the start of any timed exams

 CONDUCT…Honesty and Academic Integrity

• Read the Examination Regulations carefully so you understand what is expected of you when taking online exams.
• As a UCD student, you are expected to behave with integrity and honesty in undertaking all your assessments. Academic misconduct includes any action or attempted action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage, this includes plagiarism, collusion, copying, possession of anything other than permitted resources during an assessment and collusion with others in a piece of assessed work.
• The UCD Student Code of Conduct sets out the University's regulations and expectations in respect of student behaviour and conduct during examinations and the University's disciplinary procedures for dealing with academic misconduct.
• You may be asked to confirm compliance with an Honesty Code in advance of an exam, so take time to make sure you understand what this means and what steps the university will take if they have concerns in relation to the integrity of any of your assessments.
• The Module Coordinator will specify what resources/materials if any, you are permitted to access during the assessment. This will differ between online timed exams and open-book/take-away exams. If in doubt, check the assessment instructions or ask the module coordinator. 

SUPPORT… if you are feeling anxious, talk to someone

• Even in normal circumstances, exams can be a stressful time for anyone. It’s okay to be nervous about exams, but if you feel like you need support just ask.  
• The Student Advisers and chaplains continue to be available to provide support for any student encountering difficulty at this time, see Student Adviser website or the chaplain’s website for appropriate contact details.

LOCATION… set up the best possible conditions you can

• Ensure that the space you will be doing your exam is as quiet as possible and if at home, don’t forget to tell any others in your household that you are doing an exam and so will not want to be disturbed.
• Make sure your chair/desk is comfortable and that you have adequate lighting and space. Ensure to have a snack and water nearby. If you wish to have water/drink during your assessment, consider using a bottle, to prevent spillages.
• Turn off your phone and anything else that might be a distraction for you while taking the exam.
• Be ready at least 15 minutes in advance of each exam so you can check that you have everything you need
• Make a note of who you should contact if you experience any technical issues during the exam, so that you have it to hand if needed. Unless otherwise advised, this would be the module coordinator.  
• Use the bathroom before the exam commences so you don’t lose any time during the exam - every minute is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge!  

DEVICE… preparing your device for online assessment 

• Ensure the browser you will be using is the latest version, clear the browser cache and check that add-ons like popup blockers are disabled. Details on how to prepare your browser/device are available on the UCD IT Services website
• Close down any other applications and browsers so you can focus completely on your examination.
• You are required to use a computer rather than a mobile device to take your exam, so ensure to contact the libraryif this raises any issues for you and all options can be explained.
• If on UCD Campus consider whether you are using wired network or a wireless network. Details available on the (opens in a new window)UCD IT Services website

BRIGHTSPACE 

• You will find information on Brightspace at UCD Brightspace for Learners
  
  • Checklist for Quizzes 
  • Checklist for Assignments

BEFORE YOU START… 

• Make sure you read all the instructions and exam questions very carefully and understand what you are being asked to do.  Then read them again just to make sure!
• Consider how much time you should allot to each question and manage your time carefully.  Follow the assessment instructions in relation to the start time, exam duration, finish time and any additional time allocated for download/upload/submission of the exam. Make sure you use any additional time provided to submit your work on time.  

DURING THE ONLINE EXAM...

• If you are not sure you fully understand a question or think there is a typo, check what the module coordinator has instructed you to do.  If there is no facility to query this with your module coordinator, write down your interpretation of the question then continue. 
• Don’t forget to submit!
• If something goes wrong and an issue occurs outside your control, notify your lecturer/module co-ordinator of the situation as soon as you can.  You should do this by sending an email with your student ID, details of the issue and if possible, include a screenshot of the work completed and/or error message. A mobile phone could be used to send this email/photograph issue if you experience a problem with the computer/internet connection. 

As in-person invigilation is not possible for online examinations, online invigilation, or 'eProctoring', software solutions may be utilised. Your module coordinator will inform you if online invigilation will be used during your exam. Where such a solution is being utilised, you will be provided with information and guidance, and have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the software, before sitting the exam.

What is a timed online exam? 
This can be described in different ways, for example, ‘timed exam’, ‘live exam’, ‘online exam’, ‘online quiz/MCQ’. These exams are usually centrally scheduled and captured in the Exam Timetable.  A block of time (normally a minimum of 3 hours) is assigned in the timetable, but this does not mean that 3 or more hours is available to complete the exam. The specific details of the exam will be provided by the module coordinator, e.g. start time, exam duration, finish time and any additional time allowed to download/upload/submit the exam. 

Can I consult my lecture notes and other materials during the online timed exam?
The individual module coordinator will specify what is permitted in their online exam. Normally, access to notes, books, other learning materials and internet resources is not permitted in a timed online exam. It is expected that your answers will be your own work and not produced with assistance from or in collaboration with others. Discipline specific tools or materials may be permitted, such as, calculator, datasets, formulae, statistical tables etc. If in doubt, check the assessment instructions or ask the module coordinator. 

Do I have to complete the exam in a single block of time?  
The module coordinator will indicate the precise timing of the exam; start time, exam duration, finish time. Additional time may also be provided to download the exam and/or submit your work, depending on the exam format.  

How do I submit a timed online exam? 
This will depend on the exam format.  Where the exam takes the format of an online quiz in Brightspace (e.g. multiple choice, short answer questions, numerical type questions), you should follow the online instructions, working your way through the questions and fully submit the quiz  when you are finished. Brightspace will confirm on screen that your quiz has been submitted successfully. 

Other online exams may require that you download the examination paper and prepare your answers for electronic upload/submission. In this scenario your module coordinator will provide details on how you should present and submit your work, which may include details on file formats, etc. Make sure you allow adequate time to submit the assessment within the time allowed, particularly if you need to scan handwritten elements to upload. Do not use characters such as ‘ or @ in your file name, please use letters and numbers only.

What kind of questions might I expect in a timed online exam? 
The type of question will vary by subject. These are often, but not limited to, short-answer, multiple-choice or numerical type questions. The exam questions will be aligned to the module learning outcomes. 

What is an open-book or take-away exam? 
Whilst different terminology may be used to refer to this approach, the essence of this assessment type is that students are permitted to access learning materials and are encouraged to do so, acknowledging their sources.

How is the open-book or take-away exam different from a closed-book (unseen) exam? 
A key difference is that you will be given the assessment task to ‘takeaway’ and asked to submit your answers at a later time on the same day, the next day or beyond. The open-book or take-away exam is not invigilated but you are expected to behave with academic integrity and in accordance with the instructions set-out by the module coordinator.  

What materials are permitted in an open-book or take-away exam? 
The materials that you are permitted to use may vary.  Materials may include your notes, readings, textbooks, online sources and reference materials. Individual module coordinators will specify what is permitted in their exam/assignment. If in doubt, check the assessment instructions or ask the module coordinator. It’s important to remember that the work that you produce must be your own, regardless of what materials you are permitted to consult. 

Are conversations with other students, family or friends in relation to the open-book or take-away exam permitted?  
It is expected that your answers will be your own work and not produced in collaboration with others, unless collaboration with others is explicitly permitted. If you are unsure about what is permitted in the open-book or take-away exam, check with your module coordinator.   

Do I have to acknowledge my sources in an open-book or take-away exam? 
Yes, you should cite any sources that you use; you will have your materials/books to hand. Check with your module coordinator the specific referencing requirements. 

What kind of questions will an open-book or take-away exams have? 
Open-book or take-away exams generally ask students to apply, analyse, discuss, compare/contrast or evaluate information.  They may test your understanding of the ‘big picture' of a topic/module and how various concepts work together. The focus may be on presenting well-structured arguments or solutions.  The exam questions will be aligned to the module learning outcomes.  

How should I prepare for open-book or take-away exams?
You should prepare for an open book or take-away exam in the same way as you would for any other exam.  Having books and notes to refer to might mean you won't have to memorise as much information, but you will still need to be able to apply it effectively.  You should access all the sources that you are likely to use in the exam well in advance and organise your materials so that you can find the information you need efficiently.     

Are open-book or take-away exams easier than (closed) unseen exams?
These exams are neither easier nor harder than the traditional closed book exam. However, as you will have materials to hand and less time pressure, it would be expected that your work is clearly presented and well-structured and that you have cited all of your sources in accordance with the instructions set out by the module coordinator.  

How do I submit an open-book or take-away exam? 
Your module coordinator will provide details on how you should present and submit your work by the deadline, which may include details on file formats, word count, etc.  
 

Online Regs FAQs

What is an online examination?
Online examinations are scheduled timed exams that are delivered through the university’s virtual learning environment.

What Regulations apply to online examinations?
UCD has Exam procedures and Regulations in place that apply to all assessment types, so make sure that you are aware of the rules that apply.

The following regulations are important:

Online Examination Regulations

• Students are obliged to follow instructions issued by their Module Coordinator or nominee or assigned invigilator. 
• Students should be ready at least 15 minutes in advance of each exam.
• Students should ensure that the space to be used for taking the exam is as quiet as possible and free from likely disruptions.
• Students should ensure that the chair/desk is comfortable and that there is adequate lighting, space and refreshments available as needed.
• Students are not permitted to communicate with anyone else during the exam, by any means. 
• All electronic devices not required for taking the exam should be powered off. 

What happens if there is no internet connection where I am taking the exam?
Students are responsible for ensuring that the technology being used to complete the exam is fit for purpose; has sufficient power or is connected to a power source, has the necessary internet connectivity; and that all required software has been downloaded in advance of the online timed examination.

What browser should be used?
Students should ensure that the browser to be used is the latest version, that the browser cache is cleared and checked so that add-ons such as popup blockers are disabled. All other applications and browsers not being used for the exam should be closed down.

What device can I use to take my exam?
Students should use a computer rather than a mobile or tablet device to take the exam.

What should I do if a technical issue arises during the exam?
If an issue occurs, students should notify their Module Coordinator or nominee or assigned invigilator of the situation as soon as possible.  Students can do this by sending an email with their student ID, details of the issue and where possible, including a screenshot of the work completed and/or error message. 

If I enter the exam late will I be granted additional time?
Students, except in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Module Coordinator or nominee or assigned invigilator, will not normally be permitted additional time if arriving late for an examination. 

Can I re-enter the exam if I have already submitted my work?
Students will not normally be permitted to re-enter an examination if they have already submitted it.

Please read the Examination Regulations carefully. The following statements apply to all assessments submitted by UCD students.

1. Academic Integrity is the practice of honesty and ethics in scholarship. All students of UCD are expected to engage in their studies with honesty at all times.
2. Academic misconduct includes any action or attempted action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage, this includes plagiarism, copying, possession of anything other than permitted resources during an examination and collusion with others in an examination.
3. The UCD Student Code of Conduct and UCD Student Plagiarism Policy set out the University's regulations and expectations in respect of student behaviour and conduct during examinations. The University's Student Discipline Procedure outlines the process followed when dealing with allegations of academic misconduct. Any breach of the UCD Student Code of Conduct or the UCD Student Plagiarism Policy may result in disciplinary action being taken under the Student Discipline Procedure.

For queries relating to your online exam, please contact your module coordinator. They will provide you with specific details in advance of your exam e.g. start time, exam duration, finish time and any additional time allowed to download/upload/submit the exam.

The Student Advisers and chaplains are available to provide support for any student encountering difficulty at this time. Contact details can be found on Student Adviser Website or the Chaplain’s website. 

The Student Health Service website provides access to physical and mental health assistance for current UCD students.

• Brightspace Learners
• Covid-19 advice and support 
• Disability support
• Exam regulations
• Extenuating circumstances
• IT Services - Preparing Your PC/Laptop for Online Assessment
• Laptop Loan Scheme
• Plagiarism Policy 
• (opens in a new window)Referencing, Citation and Avoiding Plagiarism
• Student Advisers (opens in a new window) 
• Student Advisers exam tips 
• Student Code and guidelines
• (opens in a new window)UCD Student Union