Preparing for online assessments
On this page: find tips for setting up and getting ready on the day. Then, learn how to handle tech issues.
-
You should always be aware of your start and end times of your exams, as well as their durations.
If your online final assessment is managed centrally, you should be able to find its scheduled date and time on the page on my¼.
Alternatively, and for other online assessments not listed on your exam timetable, your lecturer or tutor will inform you about the date and time. Be sure to check or your Course Outline for details. If you are still unsure, reach out to your lecturer or tutor.
Note for students living overseas
All centrally managed exams at ¼ will be scheduled at the Australian Eastern Time (AET or Sydney time). If you will be in a different time zone on the day of your exam, you must be aware of the time difference as this is not a valid reason for a Special Consideration request.
-
Make sure the space where you plan to complete your online assessment is free-to-use and poses minimal distractions. If you have roommates or family living with you, let them know when you’ll be completing your assessment to prevent interruptions in the house or space.
Don't have a suitable space to undertake your online assessment?
The ¼ Main, Law and Paddington Libraries have a few socially distant study spaces that you can book. These spaces are limited, so be sure to book them in advance for your assessment.
-
Head to your device's settings and check if it is up to date. If it isn't, make sure to download and install the software update as soon as possible.
Please note: Special Consideration will not be awarded on the grounds that your computer performed an update during an online assessment.
Make sure to disable auto-updates to avoid having your device restart during your assessment attempt.
Don't have a reliable device for your online assessment?
You can book a reservation for a fixed PC or loanable laptops from ¼ Library during exam periods.
-
If you haven't already, set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using your zID on your smartphone. You'll need this to verify your sign-in when logging into ¼ systems.
Check that you have logged into and can access to your online assessment platform (e.g. Inspera) so you can jump straight into your attempt on the day.
-
You must ensure that your internet connection is stable and provides a decent speed. Check your internet speed with and ensure you know who to contact in case of a technical issue.
Quick tip: If you aren't getting stable internet wirelessly, try connecting your device directly to your router via an ethernet cable to improve your internet quality.
If possible, we recommend you to have a spare secondary connection device (e.g. a smartphone that can be used as a “personal hotspot” in case your initial connection goes down). Learn how to set up a hotspot with ǰ devices.
Worried about internet access for your online assessment?
Remember that you have access to the eduroam WiFi network on several campuses across Australia as a ¼ student.
If you're planning to undertake your online assessment on campus, we recommend you to in advance at the ¼ Main, Law or Paddington libraries to avoid distractions during your attempt.
See also
- Be ready to go at least 30 minutes before the assessment starts.
Log onto your computer and have any other permitted equipment you need in place (books, notes, calculator etc.). - Ensure your device has power, and the charger is plugged in.
This applies to your smartphone as well, so that you can complete the next step. - Allow extra time to sign into required systems with Multi Factor Authentication (MFA).
If prompted for MFA via a push notification on your smartphone, follow our guide to sign in. - Remind your roommates or family that you’ll be undertaking the assessment.
Understandably, the people around you may forget. Send a reminder or put up a sign to make sure you aren't interrupted. - Refresh yourself on any instructions and procedures provided.
Read through any guidance about completing the online assessment and be aware of how to respond to technical issues.
If you experience a technical issue that is beyond your control and impacts your ability to complete an assessment, follow the steps below to submit a Special Consideration application.
-
If a technical issue pops up during your online assessment, take screenshots of the below as many as possible:
- error messages
- screen not loading
- timestamped speed tests
- power outage maps
- messages or information from your internet provider regarding the issues experienced.
All screenshots must include the date and time the issue occurred.
You are responsible for uploading the correct version of your exam document. Once uploaded, there will be no opportunity to replace or re-upload your exam papers. The documents you submit will be the documents that are marked.
There is no provision for uploading incorrect or incomplete documents. Please check that you've uploaded the right document before you submit.
-
Centrally managed exams
Contact the Examinations team immediately via phone on +61 2 9385 4292 (Monday - Saturday 8am-6pm AEDT) or email (exams@unsw.edu.au).
Exams managed by the Schools
Let your course authority, tutor or exam supervisor know that you're experiencing a technical issue as soon as possible via email, Moodle or chat. If possible, continue working on your assessment to the best of your ability. Check Moodle or the Course Outline for contact details of your lecturer and tutor.
-
Your Special Consideration application will be reviewed and you'll usually receive an outcome within 3-5 working days.
Providing your supporting documentations
When submitting supporting documents in the Special Consideration portal, you can only upload the files of the formats pdf, png, gif or doc. The files you submit must be less than 3MB in total.
After submitting your formal application through the Special Consideration portal, you can submit larger files or other file types directly to specialconsideration@unsw.edu.au.
Get support
-
First, please ensure that you have allowed notifications on your Microsoft Authenticator app. Then, attempt to sign in with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) again.
If you do not have data connectivity, have elected to set your smartphone on Airplane mode or cannot receive push notifications for any other reasons, the Microsoft Authenticator app can provide a One-Time Password code to sign you in.
Please follow our step-by-step guide to use the One-Time Password code.
If you require further support, contact ¼ myIT.
-
¼ MyIT has a dedicated support team for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) who can issue you a temporary access passcode (TAP).
You may be required to verify your ID while they process your MFA issue/request, so it's best to visit MyIT in person or call them.
-
You are not permitted to contact other students during the exam (including the reading and submission periods), even if you are reaching out about a technical issue.
Attempts to communicate with other students (whether it's in person, by email, through text, over the phone or any other way) will be considered serious academic misconduct.
If you don't know how to deal with a technical issue, always reach out to your online assessment supervisor.
-
You are responsible for uploading the correct version of your exam document. Once uploaded, there will be no opportunity to replace or re-upload your exam papers. The documents you submit will be the documents that are marked.
There is no provision for uploading incorrect or incomplete documents. Please check that you've uploaded the right document before you submit.
-
Be mindful of the Fit to Sit rule before you sit an online assessment:
By sitting or submitting an assessment or exam on the scheduled date, you are declaring that you are fit to do so and cannot apply for Special Consideration later. Additionally, if you sit, access or submit an exam or assessment after applying for Special Consideration, you will no longer be eligible for Special Consideration.
During an online assessment or exam, if you feel unwell to the point that you cannot continue, you should take the following steps:
- Stop working on the exam and take note of the time
- Contact the course coordinator, tutor or exam supervisor via email, Moodle or chat to advise them that you are unwell and unable to continue (before the conclusion of the exam)
- Obtain a medical certificate dated within 24 hours of the examination date
- Submit a Special Consideration application within 3 working days of the exam date stating that you felt ill during the exam and were unable to continue.
