Introduction Online invigilation (proctoring)
Invigilation or proctoring refers to monitoring students during an exam to ensure they adhere to the rules. In an online invigilated exam, an invigilator (proctor) will monitor you via a live feed of your study environment and screen. This ensures the exam is completed fairly by everyone, without assistance from unauthorised individuals or materials.
Modules using online invigilation
This information is only relevant if you plan to study one of the following modules:
- Essential mathematics 2 (MST125)
- Intermediate financial accounting (BXI250)
- Business law (BXI251)
- Financial management (B252)
- Intermediate management accounting (B253)
- Advanced financial accounting (B350)
- Governance, audit and assurance (B351)
- Advanced financial management and management accounting (B352)
- Taxation (B353)
There is no alternative to an online invigilated exam for these modules.
What to expect
The provider for online invigilation is called Meazure Learning and their platform is called ProctorU. Invigilation and proctoring mean the same thing and you'll see both terms being used.
The invigilator will verify your identity, check your workspace, and observe you while you complete the exam. There'll be an opportunity for a mock invigilated experience (MIE) practice session to ensure you're fully prepared. It's important for you to do this to familiarise yourself with the experience.
You'll need to install a Google Chrome extension called Guardian. It's easy to install, accessible and lets you scan and upload handwritten exam work. You'll also use hardware like a camera, speakers and microphone so your exam can be monitored live. This is how we'll track your on-screen activity and record video and audio of your workspace, including both you and what's happening on your screen. Any incidents will be flagged to OU staff for further investigation after the exam.
Although the invigilator will be monitoring you, there won't be any video feed of them or yourself on screen, so you won't be distracted. There will be a chat window that can be minimised.
Exams that use online invigilation are closed book. This means you are not allowed to access any materials or resources during the exam unless your module website specifically says you can. Online invigilated exams are designed to replicate the experience of a face-to-face exam.
Third-party terms of service
To complete modules assessed via online invigilated exams, students must agree to additional terms and conditions specified by third-party service providers (who may be based outside of the UK). Information about any required third-party agreements will be provided on the module's online prospectus page. By enrolling on the module, you acknowledge and accept this requirement. If you do not wish to agree to additional terms and conditions, you should choose a different module and contact your student support team (SST).
You can download the third-party terms of service (PDF 62KB).
