Quizzes

Learn how to use the Quizzes tool in VU Collaborate

Block Online and Final Assessments

Block units utilise online assessments, including week 4 final assessments or exams. An online final assessment will likely take place in your regular classroom during class time, but may be in an alternative room or computer lab and you may need to bring your own device/laptop - BYOD (see below for more details).

VU uses Respondus LockDown Browser to maintain the integrity of online assessments. You will access your final assessment via Quizzes, in your unit VU Collaborate space.

What are the Advantages of online assessments?

  • more opportunity to edit, revise and review your work (e.g. cut and paste)
  • Respondus software is part of VU Collaborate, which you will already be familiar with through regular use in all your units
  • a more environmentally-friendly alternative to paper
  • can better support students with special needs (enlarging text, integration with some assistive software)
  • allows for a wide variety of question formats as well as options for multimedia
  • better opportunity for your teachers to provide you with valuable feedback in a short timeframe.

How does Respondus maintain the integrity of assessments?

Basically, Respondus ‘Locks down’ your internet browser, preventing you from navigating around the computer as you usually would. During a Respondus assessment you cannot:

  • open a new tab
  • open another application
  • print
  • copy and paste from outside the quiz
  • click on and access links (unless specified by the academic in the settings).

What do I need to do to prepare for an online final assessment?

BYOD

If your digital assessment is BYOD, YOU WILL NEED TO INSTALL Respondus LockDown Browser on your device PRIOR to your in class online assessment.

To install it, follow the steps on the Student Help Guide. Please check the minimum system requirements for laptops to ensure your device is suitable.

You should do this 1-2 weeks before the final assessment and contact ITS immediately if there are any issues. If you come to the assessment without having installed Respondus, you will have to do it there which will take up some of your allocated assessment time. You will not be given any extra time to install it.

If you do not have your own suitable device, laptops can be loaned from the Library for 5 hours at a time (CF, CQ, STA, FP), ask a librarian at the front desk to reserve one. It is recommended that you borrow a library laptop prior to the final assessment to familiarise yourself with it.

Library loan laptops and computer labs already have Respondus LockDown Browser installed.

VU Student loans of $500 are available to purchase laptops.

Centrelink Student Start up loans of $1077 are available for eligible students.

Please speak to your teacher as soon as possible if you do not have your own device then make arrangements to borrow a laptop from the library.

What technical support will be available on the day?

During the assessment, there will be staff available to assist you. The academic for the unit, an invigilator and possibly an IT support person will be in the room.

In the unlikely event that your laptop freezes or loses connection, raise your hand to notify the invigilator who will assist you. Respondus saves when you move forward or back through the questions or when you click anywhere outside the text field. So once the issue is resolved, you can pick up where you left off. Follow the steps in the Student Help Guide to practice and familiarise yourself with Respondus Lockdown Browser.

Alternative arrangements

If you have special needs and require assistance, please contact the academic for the unit or disability support services as soon as possible. If you would like to request special consideration, please contact the academic for the unit.