02 Jun 2020

Online exams are a whole new world. This whole new world of battling with poor wifi service, feeling inadequate with all things technology and not knowing how to prepare can be frazzling. But here is how to prepare yourself in this new climate.

Guidelines are your best friends

The lack of face to face support can be tricky whilst studying online and there are fewer opportunities to gain clarity when it comes to exams. This means that you have to take circumstances into your own hands and suss out the exam guidelines yourself on the brief you're given.

Will the test take place at a specific date and time, or can you take the exam at any point during a particular window of time? How much time will you have to complete the test? What program will you use to do the test? What is the test format (multiple-choice, essay, fill-in)? What is the marking criteria? When you answer these questions, you should have a better idea of what to expect.

Study like you would for any other exam

Since you've sussed out the guidelines, you'll be on top of what this exam wants from you. Revise just like you would for any other exam and practice time management.

Your lecturer, tutor or teacher may provide some sample questions or a dry run. You might also want to check out some past exam papers in the library. Get studying!

Don't get cocky if it's an 'open book' exam

Open book = no study. Right? Wrong wrong, oh so wrong.

Your open book should just be a reference as you won't have the luxury of sifting through everything and learning subject matters on the spot. Examiners will be able to tell the difference between regurgitating notes and the good stuff from your beautiful brain.

Check yourself before you wreck yourself

What I mean by this is, check everything to avoid last-minute problems.

Make sure you’ve tested the link or software you’ll need for the exam, that all the proper updates and plug-ins have been downloaded, that you’re close to a power source, and that you actually know how to use the thing. Set yourself up with reliable internet. Give your fam or roommates notice you need them to be quiet during this exam. Most importantly, turn off all notifications. 

If you're prepared when it comes to guidelines, studying and all things tech, you'll be sweet! Take a breather and let your genius run wild.