Online uni exams and domestic abuse

[gestroopd]

Hi everyone. I've discovered that some distance courses are now doing online exams with webcams. There seem to be numerous concerns about this from a privacy aspect, but it strikes me as massively disadvantaging anybody in a DV situation (and women in general as were the ones usually at home with kids, caring etc). Personally I studied with the OU because my ex wouldn't let me study in a brick uni and he blocked me studying full time. He then "hindered" my studies too, subtly sabotaged me and generally made it very hard. An online exam requires a good 2-3 hours in the exam with time before to get your head in the right place (plus set up the sound/webcam etc). There's NO WAY he'd have managed not to "inadvertently" interrupt me in that time. I'd not have been able to properly concentrate either, because I'd have been waiting for the interruption to happen.

There are obviously (or so I thought..) lots of other reasons why women would be disadvantaged by online exams more than menand my DA situation was never physically threatening, but for women with that going on in their lives it's a further stress.

When I went to an exam centre, it was great because I know, for once, I'd have 3 hours uninterrupted - bliss! 🤣

Does anybody know if Women's Aid or any other women’s organisations have been involved in discussions with universities about this? Any organisations at all involved in raising this for any reason?

Universities provide study space where students can take online exams, and there's also any quiet public space/library

I work at a university, not a massive fan of online exams but more people probably find them a help than a hindrance. It probably makes education accessible to more women than the number who would find this a difficulty. And for the latter group, adjustments can be made. Anyone who doesn't have appropriate space could probably be helped to find one (or given one if it's not a distance learning organisation). We have, for example , a lot of students who still live with family and even share a bedroom with siblings, some space is sorted for them to sit the exam onsite. We didn't involve Women's Aid or other organisations, just did an equality impact assessment and came up with sensible mitigations.

Universities are generally excellent at supporting students who can’t, for whatever reason, take an exam at home. They can provide suitable spaces on campus, or help source places off campus (for example, at a consulate or government building). Don’t underestimate their networks and their willingness to support you as best they can. I’d always recommend that if a student experiences any difficulties they shout talk
to their tutor of course leader since they are able to support and signpost.