Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - E-Assessment

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Non-supervised distance examinations mainly include take-home exams, for which the term open-book examination is sometimes also used, and term papers. These are not supervised examinations, i.e. means such as video conferencing software or a safe exam browser may not be used for them.

Authentification

Students prove their identity by logging into the examination system, as disclosure of account details is prohibited. However, it is more important that they confirm the i autonomy of their examination performance in the sense of good academic practice (handwritten), as has long been customary for term papers and theses. If necessary, the templates that exist in the institutes should be expanded to include an addendum confirming that only permissible aids (incl. list) were used.

The conduct of the examination

The examination takes place in the previously announced time frame. After logging in and "entering" the examination course, a declaration that the examination rules are known (cheating, non-attendance, health) is usually required before the examination task is released. Afterwards, the examination task can be viewed or downloaded.

Depending on the specification, the examination is taken by hand or digitally and uploaded to the examination course (assignment module) at the end of the examination as a photo or text file (incl. declaration of autonomy). Some examiners require the file(s) to be converted into PDF format in order to ensure system-independent access to the examination performance.

During the examination, persons should be available who can be contacted by telephone, separate chat or video conference (without image) in case of queries or technical emergencies (examination support). Immediately after the exam, the exam course should be set back to "hidden".

Important: The examination system is "merciless". The submission times set by the examiners are absolutely binding. Even an upload that is completed just one second too late is registered as a late submission. The consequence is usually a failure of the examination to be confirmed by the examination board (PA)!

Technical malfunctions

Technical malfunctions only have a permanent effect on remote examinations if, for example, the Internet is down for a longer period of time and the examination paper cannot be opened or uploaded. If there is such a permanent disruption, the examiner must be informed of this by telephone. In this case, the examination attempt is deemed not to have been taken (§ 107 c).

Important: Short-term internet failures or slow access to servers do not count as such disruptions, as they are compensated for by extra time exclusively dedicated to the submission. Anyone attempting to upload their exam very close to the deadline does so at their own risk.