Sometimes something happens to a computer during or just before an exam, meaning that a student cannot use it to take their exam. Particularly with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) exams, it sometimes happens that a student’s laptop does not work, or that the student forgets a charger. For these occasional situations, we recommend coming up with a backup scenario in advance. Staff will then know what to do and the student may still be able to complete their exam.
Institutions generally use two methods as a backup scenario:
Appointing a Troubleshooter during the exam
The Troubleshooter is an IT-skilled person who supports students during a BYOD exam with first-line technical laptop problems. Find out more about the role of Troubleshooter here.
Organising backup computers
You can keep backup computers available for students who experience problems with their laptop during the exam. The student can then still complete their exam.
Which computers can our institution use as backup computers?
Institutions often use fixed exam computers in a computer room, educational computers or loan laptops in a laptop trolley. Laptop trolleys are often preferred because they offer the most flexibility.
Schoolyear works on all computers that meet the minimum computer requirements.
Preparation checklist for an exam
Make sure:
- that Schoolyear has been deployed and tested on these computers (or types of computer) used for the exam. This has often already taken place during setup. The software is updated automatically.
- that there are enough backup computers available at the exam location. For BYOD, Schoolyear recommends initially keeping 10% of the total number as backup. Please note: The number of backup computers applies per exam session per location. Are exams taking place at multiple locations at the same time? Then Schoolyear recommends 10% backup computers per location.
Which method is suitable for our institution?
The easiest option is to organise enough backup computers. This means that the student can continue immediately if problems occur, and you can maintain a calm atmosphere in the room during the exam. Not all institutions have enough backup computers available, or they may find it difficult to organise enough devices at a specific location. Another option is to have a Troubleshooter walk around during the exam to resolve first-line technical problems when starting an exam.
It is also possible to use a combination, and of course there are other options available.