Most exams for Semester 2 2021\/22 will be online 'fixed-time' exams \u2013 short in duration, scheduled in a specific time slot and sat remotely via Inspera. Here are some questions you may have if you\u2019re taking this type of exam.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In many ways, yes. Because they\u2019re short, you\u2019ll need to work quickly and know your stuff.\u00a0<\/span>Revise as you would for in-person timed exams \u2013 don\u2019t expect to be able to treat them like coursework assignments.<\/p>\n But remember, too, that they're still open-book exams, so they involve more than simply memorising information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Understand what each exam is assessing and prepare accordingly. This usually means thinking critically, making connections between topics and applying concepts to real-life situations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Explore different ways of making notes, study past papers and do plenty of timed practice. See Top tips for taking open book exams 1<\/span><\/a> for more ideas on how to prepare.<\/span><\/p>\n This also calls for careful planning. Using notes and resources strategically will buy you time in the exam; forgetting to organise them or relying on them too much will do the opposite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Consider how you\u2019ll manage paper and digital resources and devise a quick-access system for locating specific information. Use your reference materials to do timed practice and keep fine-tuning your system. Prepare any references you\u2019re likely to need ahead of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s all about figuring out what\u2019s realistic in the time available and where you could save valuable minutes.<\/p>\n It\u2019s natural to feel anxious about taking exams online, especially when the timeframe is tight, but there\u2019s lots you can do to put your mind at rest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make sure you learn about the online assessment platform, Inspera, log in and try it out well before your first exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can find detailed information about using Inspera on the University\u2019s Exams and assessments webpage<\/a> and also in this module<\/a>, which includes a handy troubleshooting guide.<\/p>\n Check your internet connection and install any necessary software and updates on your computer. Focus on what you can control and find out exactly what to do if there\u2019s a problem. Then you can stop worrying and get down to the important business of revising.<\/p>\n Not if you prepare in the right way. All types of assessment come with pros and cons, and fixed-time exams are no different.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget that they offer plenty of positives. You can set up your workspace how you want and wear your comfy slippers! You\u2019ll have your notes on hand, so you don\u2019t have to worry about forgetting a crucial fact or formula. And, of course, they\u2019re short, so they\u2019ll be over before you know it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember that preparation is the key to confidence. Start early, gather as much information as you can and plan your strategy. Visualise what the exam will be like. Then you can visualise it going well.<\/p>\n Good luck!<\/p>\n If you have any more questions about online fixed-time exams, please comment below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Most exams for Semester 2 2021\/22 will be online 'fixed-time' exams \u2013 short in duration, scheduled in a specific time slot and sat remotely via Inspera. Here are some questions you may have if you\u2019re taking this type of exam.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1636,"featured_media":725,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[91,9],"tags":[21,97,25],"class_list":["post-724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-skills","category-exams","tag-open-book-exams","tag-planning","tag-top-tips"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2021\/12\/al-ghazali-Uyxkm0HJ93E-unsplash.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":371,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2020\/12\/02\/top-tips-for-taking-open-book-exams-1-preparation\/","url_meta":{"origin":724,"position":0},"title":"Top tips for taking open book exams 1 - preparation","author":"Kerry Vevers","date":"December 2, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"During the exam period, you may be asked to take a home-based online open book exam. Open book exams allow you to consult external sources such as textbooks and your own notes during the exam time. Here are some tips from former Academic Skills Course Leader Tom Reid to help\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Student taking an online open book exam","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":806,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2022\/05\/04\/my-tips-for-exam-preparation\/","url_meta":{"origin":724,"position":1},"title":"My tips for exam preparation","author":"Erifyli Vologianni","date":"May 4, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Hi, I\u2019m Erifyli. I\u2019m a final year International Management student and Skills Co-Creator. Here are some of my personal tips that will help you to organise and revise efficiently for the upcoming exam period. Exam period. \"That time of the year\" is approaching. People are setting revision schedules, libraries are\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Exams"","block_context":{"text":"Exams","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/exams\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Lines of desks and chairs in an exam hall at university.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/05\/FH-exams-2-small.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/05\/FH-exams-2-small.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/05\/FH-exams-2-small.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/05\/FH-exams-2-small.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":373,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2020\/12\/02\/top-tips-for-taking-open-book-exams-2-on-the-day\/","url_meta":{"origin":724,"position":2},"title":"Top tips for taking open book exams 2 - on the day","author":"Kerry Vevers","date":"December 2, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"If you're taking an online open book exam, you'll need to deal with a number of challenges including maintaining focus and managing your time. This short guide by former Academic Skills Course Leader Tom Reid gives you some strategies to help you succeed in your examination. https:\/\/vimeo.com\/774802360 Tip 1 -\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Student typing on a laptop taking an online open book exam with textbooks on the desk.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-open-book-exam.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-open-book-exam.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-open-book-exam.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-open-book-exam.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1409,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2025\/01\/09\/preparing-for-in-person-exams-part-4-on-the-day\/","url_meta":{"origin":724,"position":3},"title":"Preparing for In-Person Exams Part 4: On The Day","author":"Kyra Ings","date":"January 9, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"What you do just before an exam can make a big difference to your performance and your confidence. Here are our tips for staying positive on exam days and ensuring that everything goes smoothly. https:\/\/vimeo.com\/810532463 1: Know when to stop revising\u00a0 The evening before your exam, give yourself some time\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Illustration of a desk with a lamp, calendar, laptop and notebook","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams-3.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams-3.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams-3.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams-3.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1392,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2025\/01\/06\/preparing-for-in-person-exams-part-1-revision\/","url_meta":{"origin":724,"position":4},"title":"Preparing For In-Person Exams Part 1: Revision","author":"Kyra Ings","date":"January 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"It\u2019s normal to feel nervous about in-person exams, but the right approach to revision can go a long way towards helping you feel more confident. 1: Gather all the necessary information Anxiety often arises from uncertainty, so before you get started, make sure you have all the practical information you\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Illustrated image of a desk with a lamp, calendar, laptop and note paper","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":948,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2022\/12\/14\/the-night-before-christmas\/","url_meta":{"origin":724,"position":5},"title":"The night before Christmas","author":"Kerry Vevers","date":"December 14, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"St Nick offers some words of wisdom ahead of the exam period in the Skills Centre's 2022 seasonal message. https:\/\/vimeo.com\/779691899 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... Students were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Still from video displaying the words: 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...'. There's an illustration of a sleeping mouse.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/12\/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-800x450-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/12\/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-800x450-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/12\/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-800x450-1.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/12\/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-800x450-1.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1636"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=724"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/724\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/725"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=724"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=724"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}How should I use reference materials?<\/h2>\n
What if I have a tech problem?<\/h2>\n
Are fixed-time exams harder than other kinds of exams?<\/h2>\n