Oral exams via video conference

Do you have any questions?

Then please contact us by mail: elearning∂studium.kit.edu


Students can find information on prerequisites and on how to apply for an oral examination via video conference on the central KIT corona information page in the division "Questions on Studies and Teaching" in the section "Do KIT Courses (e.g., Lectures, Seminars) and Examinations Have to be Canceled? “

A handbook for lecturers on the formal requirements and the conduct of oral video conference examinations has been sent to the Deans of Studies and can be requested there. In addition, lecturers can find important information, documents and contact information for formal questions on the SLE website.

How is an oral video conference examination conducted?

A performance via videoconference is only carried out upon written request of the examinee, which has to be submitted to the examiner. The examiner is responsible for the decision on the examination.

Notes on the technical implementation of oral videoconference examinations

Currently, the open-source video conferencing web application BigBluebutton is available for conducting oral online examinations at KIT, which is provided on KIT servers. Information on its use can be found under VC-Exam.

All persons who were registered as examiners in Campus in the summer semester 2020 or winter semester 2020/21 have access there. If you do not have access, it can be activated by the following persons in the respective faculties. Central institutions can contact the ZML (elearning∂studium.kit.edu) for this purpose.

 

Checklist for the oral exam via video conference

Before an oral video conference exam, all persons involved in the exam should check whether they have the necessary technical skills to conduct the exam virtually. Clarify the following points:

Do all participants have a computer/laptop suitable for video conferencing?

We recommend that you do not use a tablet for the video conference oral exam, as not all features may be available.

Do all persons involved have a sufficiently fast internet connection (DSL/cable)?

A video conference via the mobile network (LTE, 3G) is prone to errors and cannot meet the requirements for a stable connection. If possible, we recommend connecting to the router via cable. A connection via W-LAN is also more error-prone and can affect the stability of the connection.

Do all persons involved own a headset (headphones with microphone)?

For an optimal audio connection we recommend the use of a headset. Be sure to test the functionality of your headset in advance and familiarize yourself with the operation (volume control, activating the microphone).

Do all persons involved have a webcam?

A prerequisite for the oral video conference examination is an undisturbed image and sound transmission. You need a webcam. This can be integrated into your device (e.g. laptop) or connected externally (e.g. USB webcam). Test the functionality of your webcam and familiarize yourself with its operation.

Have you conducted a successful test conference?

Arrange a short test appointment with the persons involved in the exam, at the latest one day before the planned exam. Test whether the audio and video connection works and whether you can release documents for joint use by all examiners. Familiarize yourself with the functions of the video conferencing software.

Set a date for the exam.

Agree on a date for the exam with all persons involved in the exam. At off-peak times, i.e. early in the morning or in the evening, experience shows that the online systems and network connections of the participants are less busy and therefore less prone to errors and faults.