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Online Exams
*Please note that "exam" refers to all timed assessments including quizzes, tests, midterms, and final exams
Accessing Accommodations for Online Exams
There is no need to book online exams with the Accessible Learning Centre unless:
- the instructor is using lockdown browser and access to assistive technology is required (e.g. Kurzweil/reading software, Dragon/dictation software) or
- the class is in-person and the exam is being written in the classroom during class time and access to accommodations (i.e., extra time) is required
If any of the above apply, be sure to follow the exam procedures, adhering to the established deadlines.
Assistive Technology for Online Exams
If you are writing an exam in My Learning Space that will be using Respondus LockDown Browser and you require assistive technology, you will be scheduled to write virtually proctored by the ALC. Students requiring virtual proctoring are required to participate in a one-time virtually proctoring orientation session to ensure they are aware of Accessible Learning processes and expectations as well as to address any technological issues before the exam date. Booking your exams well in advance will ensure time to schedule this orientation.
If you are using assistive technology and your professor is enabling Lockdown Browser for an online exam, you will be scheduled to be virtually proctored. You must ensure that you book your exam, giving ample time for a Virtual Proctor to be arranged - this means as far in advance of your test date as possible. Short notice requests will not be able to be accommodated.
Once you have booked your exam request and it is approved, there are a few things you’ll need to be familiar with ahead of your exam and on the day of your exam.
Ahead of Your Exam
You will need to do the following:
- Set up a Zoom account using your Laurier e-mail.
- Arrange an orientation to the Zoom Virtual proctoring system, and work out set-up issues and practice before your exam. To arrange an orientation, connect with Jane Fridrich (Waterloo) at jfridrich@wlu.ca or Tammy Bartolo (Brantford) at tbartolo@wlu.ca.
Once your exam has been scheduled and a proctor assigned, you will receive an email 24 hours prior to your exam date with a link to join the Zoom exam 15 minutes before the exam start time.
The Day of Your Exam
As in a regular exam, the proctor will be visible and audible. You will be able to ask questions at any time and get assistance as you require it. You can also ask questions and get answers using the chat feature.
What to Expect Before Your Exam Begins
- Use the same technology that you used to complete your orientation.
- *You are required to show your One Card.
- *You are required to show a 360-degree view of the room in which you are writing.
- *If you have been approved scrap paper, you are required to show the front and back of the blank paper to the proctor.
- If you are using a pre-approved memory aid for your exam, you must show this aid (front and back) to the camera. You will also need to show the confirmation email from your instructor.
- No cell phones or other devices are permitted while writing your exam.
- You have your Kurzweil login information available.
- Visit online proctored exams for further information on "Day-of Exam Logistics."
- Visit the Troubleshooting Guide for students being virtually proctored, for issues that arise during your exam.
*required for AI proctoring
If your online exam is on a Publisher, or another website:
- Provide your consultant with the location of the exam (e.g. Pearson MyLab or Wiley Connect).
- The ALC may require your instructor to arrange access to the site ahead of time to determine whether it will work with your assistive technology.
Checking Extra Time Accommodations for Online Exams
Your extra time accommodation for any online exams will show up in MyLS the day before you are scheduled to write. Click on the exam itself and go to "time allowed". If your extra time accommodation does not appear to be set up, please email your instructor and alexams@wlu.ca (Waterloo) or lbALexams@wlu.ca (Brantford).
- Click on "Quizzes" in the Course Navigation Bar
- Click on the desired exam from the list.
- The time allowed will indicate how much time you have to write once they start the exam.
A reminder, just like for on-campus exams, the timer does not stop for breaks, so please keep this in mind when you are writing your exam.
Students should contact their instructors to confirm that their extra time accommodations have been set up for online exams that do not use My Learning Space.
Break Accommodations
If your accommodations include supervised break, please follow this procedure:
- If you need to take a supervised break during your exam, speak directly into the camera and say "I am now using my accommodation of a supervised break." This is recorded and noted within the system.
- Please note that these breaks are "supervised" so in this new online format, the break needs to be taken while in view of the camera. This will mean you can stand up, stretch, take deep breaths, close your eyes (visualize, meditate, etc.). The system will note the duration of your absence as it will not be able to detect your face; the exam will also be flagged for your faculty to view the video footage later if it is necessary.
- When you are ready to resume writing, inform the camera "I am now returning from my break.
If your accommodations include "breaks as needed for medical reasons" or "frequent washroom breaks", please follow this procedure:
- If you need to use the washroom during your exam, speak directly into the camera and say "I am now using my washroom break accommodation." This will be recorded and noted within the system.
- Proceed to take your washroom break and return as quick as you can.
- When you return, say to the camera "I am now returning from my bathroom break."
Please note that for approved breaks for any reason, the system will flag your absence to your professor. They will in turn review the exam if necessary and check your accommodations through Accessible Learning Online to confirm that your accommodations include supervised breaks, breaks for medical reasons and /or frequent washroom breaks.
We recognize that for some students their additional exam time will mean they are writing for an extended period of time. For these students who are concerned about needing to use the washroom during their exam, Accessible Learning recommends you follow the same process as those who have approved washroom breaks, if you need to use the washroom, speak to the camera that you are using the washroom and, announce your return to the camera. Please note that your absence will be flagged for your instructor; you may want to follow up with your professor post exam explaining your absence.
Faculty-Approved Memory Aid or Faculty-Approved Formula Sheet Accommodation
If a Faculty-Approved Memory Aid is part of your exam accommodations and you will be using one during an online exam, please ensure you show the (pre-approved) memory aid slowly to the camera. Please do this for both sides of the paper. Your instructor will then be able to view your memory aid after you have completed your exam, via the video recording.
Questions/Concerns: If you have any questions or concerns about how a specific accommodation will work for any of your online exams, students are strongly encouraged to contact their consultant as early in the term as possible.