What you should and shouldn't do during your AI invigilated exam

If you have an AI invigilated exam this session (refer to your exam timetable to find out what type of exam you have) AI software monitors and records the exam via the webcam (inbuilt into most laptops), just like on campus exams are normally supervised. Any suspicious behaviour is flagged by the software and then reviewed by a human to determine if it is misconduct.

In the majority of instances, the incidents flagged for review can be avoided easily. We’ve provided a list of behaviours you should and shouldn’t do to avoid the AI software triggering a flag in your exam recording.

Why do we need invigilated exams?  

Subjects that have professional certification or specific requirements require invigilated exams for academic integrity. We’re able to uphold academic integrity through online invigilation. Having online invigilation ensures fairness and integrity in your exam and allows you to progress in your studies. 

What does the AI software do during the exam? 

The AI software will have access to your computer’s microphone, webcam, and screen for the duration of your exam. The AI software works by interpreting your behavior and creating flags in the recording of your exam if it suspects you have breached the student rules. A flag is a marker in the recording. These flags are later reviewed by a human to check if a misconduct allegation needs to be made. The AI software does not decide if misconduct occurred, the human does. 

You can learn more about the AI software and your privacy on the Online Exams page. 

Something happened during my exam that may create a flag in my recording – what should I do? 

If you think something has created a flag in your recording, don’t worry. Sometimes, things happen that are beyond your control for example, a dog barking in the background. While this may cause your recording to be flagged for misconduct, you don’t need to do anything. Every flag will be reviewed by a human before a misconduct is reported further.  

What should I avoid doing during my AI invigilated exam? 

During an AI invigilated exam, certain behaviours can be flagged as potential misconduct. This is done to ensure academic integrity and provide a fair and equal exam environment for all students. To avoid unnecessary flagging in your exam there are some easy things to avoid.

Camera position 

The most important thing you can do to avoid having your recording flagged is to set up your camera position properly. On the day of your AI invigilated exam, you need to log in to your Learning Management System (LMS): Canvas. Follow this guide for instructions on how to begin your AI invigilated exam and verify your identity. 

Part of the exam launch process is setting up your camera angle. You’ll have time to position your camera and chair properly before your exam begins. To avoid having your recording flagged: 

• have your Student ID or other government-issued ID ready to go. The identity verification process begins by taking a photo of you and your photo ID – this is where you can adjust your camera angle so ensure you are sitting comfortably. 
• ensure your whole face is visible for the duration of your exam – once you’ve taken your photo, avoid moving around too much. 
• take your time setting up your camera and chair position so you don’t need to fidget or move during your exam – your exam timer doesn’t start during the set up phase, so you don’t need to rush. 
• if you’re using a laptop with a webcam built in, make sure you don’t tilt the screen during your exam and change the camera angle.  

Prepare your computer 

There are a few things you should do to make sure your computer will not cause your recording to be flagged. 

• Remove any notes taped to the outside of your computer or monitor 
• Don’t take screenshots or photographs of the exam  
• Don’t copy or paste any element of the exam 
• Disable any virtual machine you might be using 
• Disconnect any secondary monitors – you can only use one monitor for your online exam 
• Don’t open any additional browser tabs or websites or applications that are not specified as permitted 
• Close any programs or websites you won’t use during your exam 

Prepare your environment  

Sitting your AI invigilated exam in a private, well-lit and tidy environment is important. One the day of your exam, make sure you have: 

• let your housemates and/or family who are sharing your home know that you are sitting an exam and that you shouldn’t be interrupted. You must be alone while you sit your exam and you can’t talk to anyone through a door or on the phone. 
• shut the door  
• turned the lights on 
• removed any notes or non-permitted items from your exam area to a place that you cannot see or access them – this includes anything on your wall, your computer screen, or even the back of your hand 
• turned your mobile phone off and put it away in a drawer or in another room 
• a comfortable chair as you cannot get up or leave the room for the duration of your exam 
• put any pets outside of the room 
• gone to the bathroom before your exam starts as you cannot get up or leave the room during your exam 

 

Dress for your exam 

While you may not be coming on to campus for your exam, there’s a dress code for online exams. The purpose of an online exam dress code is to make sure the AI software can properly detect your face, and to help prevent any breech of academic integrity. When you sit your AI invigilated exam, you should: 

• take off your headphones or earphones 
• take off your hat or hood if you are wearing a hoodie (religious head coverings are ok) 
• take off any electronic wearables like a smart watch or Fitbit 
• take off sunglasses  
• wear a shirt (pyjamas are ok!) 

Next steps  

• Download and install the Guardian browser

Where can I go for more information?  

Visit the Exam FAQ and the Online Exams page if you have further questions.