University of Nottingham Ningbo China Introduces Online Invigilation

NINGBO, China–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) has introduced an “online invigilator” system, also known as online proctoring, to enable students who are off campus to take exams remotely.

Offsite online exams are held at the same time as the on-campus exams, and use the same question paper. Both offsite and on-campus exams operate under the same regulations concerning no talking and no looking at textbooks or notes.

Cai-Ning FanJiang, a year two student who had to take five exams at home, said that this was a unique experience. “This is my first time to set up the ‘examination room’ myself and upload my exam papers.”

The day before the exam, students receive an email reminder, which details the preparations to be done such as printing out the standard answer sheet and having a mirror ready. Before the exam starts, the invigilator will check the student ID through the webcam; the student is required to hold and rotate the mirror for the invigilator to check the surrounding comprehensively. Electronic devices are not allowed until the exam is finished and the answer sheets are to be photographed and uploaded.

Students are able to ask questions to the invigilator during the exam when they encounter problems. After the exam, reports showing the screens of the students and the video recording from the students’ webcams are provided for the university.

This semester, a total of 183 examinations are held both online and offline simultaneously, and 578 students who have not returned to the University like Cai-Ning take online exams. With students coming from over 70 countries and regions, UNNC tries to accommodate time zone differences when scheduling online exams.

The University also collects students’ feedback about the online invigilator system. “It appears that around 93% of students are able to use the system well and submit their work online,” said Peter Morgan, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Business and project leader of online invigilation. “We have been offering as much support as we can to ensure that the majority have had a smooth experience.”

Contacts

University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Chuchu Lou

Content Manager

Chuchu.lou@nottingham.edu.cn