Your guide to T2, 2022 exams: what you need to know about supervised online exams
During the exam period (Monday 10 to Friday 21 October), many students will have a supervised online exam. This is where you sit the exam using your own computer while being supervised via webcam. You and your screen are automatically recorded throughout the exam.
These kinds of exams are used for particular course requirements, including accreditation by external bodies. To supervise you during the exam, Deakin uses a system called Proctorio, which checks that:
- the correct student is sitting the exam – you’ll need official photo ID like your Deakin Card, drivers licence or passport
- you comply with exam rules and conditions
- you do your own work and follow our academic integrity policy.
The exam may be open or closed book and takes the form of a CloudDeakin Quiz. You’re allocated 15 minutes reading time. Check your unit site for information about your exam formats and read more about the specific rules for different exam types, including FAQs, how-to guides and a handy video.
Supervised online exams allow you to stay in the comfort of your own home rather than commuting to an exam centre, they’re more inclusive and they help to prepare you for the digital environment you’ll be working in after your degree.
Here’s how to make your supervised online exam as seamless as possible.
What technology do I need?
During the exam, you have an allocated 15 minutes technical support time if needed. Make sure you’ve prepared ahead of time by following these steps to set up your computer:
- Ensure you have Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (if you’re in China) as your web browser. You can download these from the Deakin Software Library.
- Install the Proctorio extension for your browser – go to your unit site, select ‘Content’ > ‘Supervised Online Exam’ > ‘Secure Exam Proctor’ and follow the prompts. Proctorio requires access to a working webcam and your microphone.
- Make sure you have a power source to plug in your computer and a reliable internet connection.
- If you have a second monitor, it must duplicate your laptop screen. Dual or extended screens are not allowed.
- Do the Try-It-Out exam – a short compulsory exam that helps you check your setup and troubleshoot issues before exams begin. You can access this on your unit site.
- Restart your computer before beginning an exam, and close any programs, applications and tabs you won’t need.
Still have an IT issue? Check these Troubleshooting FAQs, or contact Proctorio 24/7 Support or Deakin IT Help.
What can I do during the exam – and what’s not allowed?
First things first: yes, you can go to the bathroom if needed! Just keep your breaks short and stay in view of the webcam at all other times. You’re allowed food and drink, but make sure there’s no packaging and you use clear containers.
So, what’s not allowed?
In any supervised online exam, you’re NOT allowed to:
Wear headphones or EarPods – no devices for communication are allowed.
Talk to another person – you should be alone and not talk to others.
In an open-book supervised online exam, you’re also NOT allowed to:
Use Google for definitions of words – bookmark dictionary.com instead.
Use Google Docs – you should save your reference material to your desktop.
Search for websites – bookmark any reference sites beforehand.
I’m worried about privacy – how does Proctorio use my information?
We take student privacy very seriously and have established strict privacy rules as part of the move to supervised online exams. We did extensive work to determine the best system to use and liaised with DUSA to ensure student body input.
It’s important for you to know that:
- the only identifying data shared with Proctorio is your name (so we can match to your record)
- the data is encrypted and only available to authorised Deakin supervisory staff
- we don’t use external staff to access and review recordings
- we don’t collect biometric information
- all data will be deleted from Proctorio’s system within six months of the completion of the exam
- any flagged behaviour will be reviewed by trained exam administrators
- the Proctorio extension is very simple to remove once your exams are complete.
If you have any questions about Proctorio, please contact [email protected]. If you have any questions about Deakin’s privacy obligations, please contact the Privacy Officer at [email protected].
Where can I get more help?
We want you to do your best in your online supervised exams. Just contact Student Central with any questions.
If you’re registered with the Disability Resource Centre, Access Plan adjustments will be applied to exams where relevant. You’ll receive information via your Deakin email and unit sites.
Also check out these earlier blogs in the Your guide to T2, 2022 exams series:
- Get ready for your exams with this essential info
- How to sit your exams from home and where to go for help.
Next week, we’ll publish our final exams blog, How to stay calm, focused and in control this exam period. Good luck!