Online examinations are an exceptional measure in times of the corona crisis. This measure is strictly limited to oral examinations via video conference and applies to the following types of examinations only:

• oral doctoral and habilitation examinations
• oral defence of the final thesis in a bachelor's or master's programme (colloquia/presentations)

How is an oral online examination conducted?

The initiative to take an oral examination via video conference must always come from the examination candidate. An oral examination is only possible if all members of the examination board (Prüfungskommission) / examiners agree to the use of video conferencing. Please also adhere to the regulations for oral online examinations by Division (Dezernat) II.

 

Online oral examinations are conducted primarily via Cisco Webex Meetings or via BigBlueButton. Should technical problems arise with this system, a recommendation for an alternative video conferencing system can be made at short notice. 

We strongly recommend that all persons involved in the examination test the video conferencing system ahead of time! The digitisation advisors of the respective departments are available for test conferences. The kiz offers training and second level support for all digitisation advisors. It is advisable to test the system at least one day before the examination. 

 

Checklist for your oral online examination

Please make sure that the following requirements are met by all persons involved in the examination to ensure that the online examination goes smoothly.

• Is a suitable computer/laptop available that supports video conferencing?
  We recommend that you do not use a tablet or mobile phone to take the online oral examination, as not all features may be available.
• Do you have a sufficiently fast Internet connection (DSL/cable)?
  A video conference via the mobile network (LTE, 3G) is prone to errors and does not meet the requirements for a stable connection.
• Can you - ideally - connect to your router via cable?
  Please use this option if available. A connection via WiFi is more prone to problems and can affect the stability of the connection.
• Do you have a headset (headphones with a microphone)?
  A headset is important for an optimal audio connection. Using the microphone and speaker that are built into your device may cause errors and interferences in the audio transmission. Be sure to test that your headset works and familiarise yourself with how to use it (volume control, activating the microphone).
• Do you have a webcam?
  Uninterrupted and interference-free video and audio transmission is a mandatory prerequisite for a valid oral online examination. You do need a webcam. This can be integrated in your device (e.g. laptop) or connected externally (e.g. USB webcam). Be sure to test that your webcam works and familiarise yourself with how to use it.
• Have you installed the Webex software?
  When you log in to a Webex Meeting you will be asked to download and install a software. Please install and use this software for the online examination, as web access only offers limited features. Other video conferencing products usually also require the installation of supporting software.
• Have you held a successful test conference with one of the digitisation advisors?
  Schedule a test conference no later than one day before the examination. Test whether the audio and video connection works and whether you can release documents for shared use by all those involved in the examination. Familiarise yourself with the features of the video conferencing software.
• For examiners: Define criteria for a successful test conference and plan each step of the examination.
  Determine the individual steps of the examination and inform the examination candidate of this procedure. In particular, you should indicate whether the examination candidate will be required to share documents with the examiners and whether and which aids (e.g. calculators, handwritten notes) are permitted for the examination. At what point, if any, will you discontinue the examination in the event of technical problems?
• Set a date for the examination – preferably at off-peak times!
  Agree on a date for the examination with all those involved in the examination. Choose preferably off-peak times for this, i.e. early in the morning or in the evening. At these times, online systems are less busy and therefore less prone to errors and disruptions.
• Set an alternative date.
  Also set an alternative date for the examination should technical problems occur during the first attempt. Allow sufficient time between the first and subsequent attempts in order to eliminate technical difficulties.