Top Tips for Online Exams

1- Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Study and put in the same amount of effort that you would put in whether you are sitting an in-person or online exam. Work out what are the intended learning outcomes (ILOs) for the exam, don’t just plan to repeat everything you know, but select what is relevant and show critical thinking. Use past papers, take notes, draft answer plans, sit practice exams, read all course notes and contact your lecturers if you are unsure about anything. LEADs (Learning Enhancement & Academic Development Service) have a large number of study skill guides so don’t forget to look here.

And look after yourself. The SRC and clubs and socieites on campus are running de-stress events which you can find a list of here.

2- A Quiet Place

If you live with flatmates or family tell them in advance about your exam. Put a note up on your door so that you won’t be disturbed and if you need to use a shared area of your home such as the kitchen table then negotiate with your flatmates well in advance of your exam day about this. Also have everything around you that is needed for the exam, rather than having go hunting for it during the exam.

3- Timing Is Key

Your exam might be due over a 24 hour period or within a set time. Make sure you know the rules for each exam and follow these.

4- Avoid Plagiarism

Importantly do not just copy and paste text into your exam script or use “close paraphrasing” as the rules on plagiarism still apply! If you are struggling with referencing or are unsure on how to avoid plagiarism, then contact your lecturer or LEADs: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/leads/students/plagiarism/

5 - The IT Crowd

If you are worried about your laptop or internet connection before your online exam, contact your School or the SRC Advice Centre to find out what support is available. Your School should also have emailed you to say what to do if you have a problem during the exam. For example, this might be to contact a specific member of staff or the IT Helpdesk, so make sure you know who to contact if things go wrong.

Also see here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/students/academic/examsupport/

6 - Unforeseen Circumstances

If you are unwell or you experience unforeseen adverse circumstances, then you might be able to submit a Good Cause claim via your MyCampus within 5 working days of the affected assessment. If the claim is accepted, typically this will allow you to re-sit the exam uncapped at a later date.

Have a look at the FAQ page here for further info: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/senateoffice/policies/assessment/goodcausefaqs/