Communicating to your students the details about their exam
Now is the time to start communicating to students key exam information. Find out what, and when to communicate; including email templates, in preparation for online exams.
Feedback from semester 1, 2020, suggests that more clarity and consistency of instructions was needed around exam advice/instructions – specifically in relation to associated technologies.
It is highly recommended that staff plan early for online examinations and associated technology use in order to develop a consistent set of procedures. At the appropriate times, staff may then provide clear, plain-language instructions to students about their exam that includes:
- Exam weighting
- Duration of the exam
- The exam format (Quiz, Canvas assignment, Gradescope, Cadmus, Video)
- What students need to prepare or know before commencing the exam task
- Explanations on the best way to prepare for an open-book exam and what is allowed during an open book exam (e.g. internet searching, use of resources, effective use of notes and outlining).
- Clear expectations regarding academic integrity and how it applies to an online, open-book exam
- Logging in 15 minutes prior to commencement of exam time
- Explanation about communication protocols during the exam
- Links to exam resources for students (see below) which includes exam support service details and information about well-being during the exam period, special consideration, special and supplementary exams and alternative exam arrangements.
Learning Environments have provided an example communication to students you can use as a template to build your own student communications. Find it here, along with a list of exam support resources for students.