The need to adapt to the new academic reality, some details need to be ensured. The possibility of internet network failures, problems in the submission of documents or even difficulty in logging in to the Fenix or other platforms, are matters that cross our minds when we think of remote evaluation.

Therefore, this text serves to recall some predictive measures that we can take, in order to be more confident, even at home, to start an online assessment.

What to do before any remote assessment

• Signal Routers and Amplifiers

We must ensure that these devices do not start updating at the least opportune time. We suggest that you check the software of the devices, ensuring that they do not cause any surprises. It is also advisable to check for possible updates to your personal computer.

• Wi-fi or network cable

It is preferable that you use a network cable during the assessment. If it is not possible, or not the most practical, we suggest that you call on your household/housemates, to turn off devices that are using the wi-fi network.

• Material needed for the assessment

You should certify, a priori, that all the necessary components/materials to carry out the assessment are within your reach. It is strongly recommended to check the instructions given by the teacher as well as a technical domain of the platform where the assessment will be carried out.

The Iriun tool allows you to use your phone’s camera as your computer’s webcam. You can connect via wifi, but it is recommended to connect via USB cable. This way the cell phone is charging and the necessary bandwidth for the test is not used.

If you don’t have the conditions to carry out the assessment in accordance with the requirements of the UC, you may exceptionally request the test to be carried out at Técnico’s facilities (space and broadband availability), ensuring the appropriate security conditions recommended by the DGS. Técnico services will try to respond as soon as possible in order to confirm the possibility of satisfying the request. For this purpose, the student must send an email with a minimum of 7 days prior to the date of the assessment, fill the form and send to cp.exames@tecnico.ulisboa.pt.

In the event that it is not possible to ensure that the test is carried out at the Técnico’s premises (in particular, as it is not possible to ensure the requirements of the UC) the student should contact the teacher, who should ensure that the evaluation is carried out through an alternative method of evaluation. (for example, an oral assessment).

• Favourable conditions

In view of the new remote context, it may be beneficial for some students to try to approximate the conditions of the face-to-face assessment, namely, a calm environment and without external disturbances. Thus, so that the lack of concentration is not a penalizing factor for the student, we recommend that they opt for a division that best suits the ideal conditions of an assessment situation.

What to do during a remote assessment

It is essential to strictly comply with the instructions that each teacher makes regarding their assessment. The various suggested procedures, login times on the chosen platform or submission deadlines are important so that there are no problems during the evaluation. But we will highlight some details that we consider relevant:

• Comply with schedules

As with any face-to-face assessment, punctuality is paramount for the test to start at the stipulated time. In a remote evaluation, being punctual can be the difference between starting the test on time or not, simply because the server can be slower during the authenticating login. We suggest that, whenever possible on the platform to be used, make sure that you log in in time.

When submitting the requested documents, you should not submit them in the last minute. To safeguard network overload, we advise you to finish your test with some time safety margin to dispel any inconvenience.

• Code of honor

One of the most discussed issues during any remote assessment is ethical conduct. Therefore, we appeal to the conscience of each one so that, as in any face-to-face evaluation, they are careful to be fair to themselves, to their colleagues and to those who evaluate you.

During the performance of the evaluation, in case of specific indications to the contrary, they must inform the teacher, by email, that they intend to give up. Thus, they will be able to leave the platform on which they are taking the test without the teacher considering that they have had any connection problem.

If you have technical problems during the test, you should contact the teacher as soon as possible (Zoom chat or email) identifying the situation and sending proof of the event (photo, image, etc.).

• Clarity of answers

Since the student-teacher contact is not very facilitated in this context, it is recommended that the student be clear in the tasks he performs so that ambiguity is not harmful.

In this new format, care in the answers given by the students is crucial. It is suggested that whenever it is necessary to upload an assessment, it should be written on a white sheet of paper and written in pen.

• Uploading responses

To upload the responses, it is suggested to use a scanner with a maximum resolution of 150 dpi or alternatively with a mobile phone using, for example, with CamScan application available for Android and iOS.