Dear Student,

Here you can find advice to help you prepare for online tests comprising multiple-choice questions. This guide covers
three stages, namely Stage 1: Preparing for the online test, Stage 2: Completing the online test, and Stage 3: Learning
from the online test. The online test opportunity gives you an additional chance to improve your semester mark, and to
prepare for the examination. It is possible to score well on these tests – make sure you use the opportunity!

Stage 1:
Preparing for the online test

In preparing for the Online Test, you need to:

✓ determine the online test requirements,
✓ study properly,
✓ plan carefully, and
✓ find out where to find online technical support.

Online Test requirements

Read the Assessment Guidelines for the relevant module, which sets out the assessment strategy for the module. To find
the Assessment Guidelines, access the ABOUT THIS MODULE button near the top of the HOMEPAGE of the module
on CANVAS@mySTADIO. It contains the following information for the module:
✓ module outcomes,
✓ assessment structure and marks weighting, and
✓ pass requirements.

Also, study the online test GUIDELINES on Canvas and note the following:
✓ the start and end times and dates,
✓ the duration of the Online Test,
✓ the rules of the Online Test e.g., open book or closed book,
✓ the number of attempts allowed,
✓ the number of questions asked, and
✓ the total number of marks.

Studying for the online test

When studying for the online test, consult your module on CANVAS@mySTADIO. Refer to any content and
communication by your lecturer. When you study the work in preparation for the online test, you must revisit the learning
material many times. Always consider what you are studying, within the overall context of the module. Make sure that you
understand the threads and structures of the subject matter as contained in your study guide, textbook/s, and/or any
learning facilitation content on CANVAS@mySTADIO, for example, video snippets, readings, and/or recorded live online
sessions.

Planning for the online test

Carefully plan when and where you will complete the online test for each module. Find a place where you can work
uninterrupted and where you will have access to power and a stable internet connection. Allow enough time in case of any
unforeseen circumstances such as technical difficulties, internet problems, power outages, health issues, or unexpected
work or family commitments. Write down when the online test opens and when it closes. Aim to complete the test as soon
as possible, considering the number of attempts allowed - do not wait until the last minute. Make sure to have a backup
plan in case your internet connection or power supply is unstable, by, for example, keeping a battery pack handy, buying
additional mobile data, and even securing an alternative venue.

Finding online technical support

Finally, note where you can access the Help function from the Global Navigation Menu on CANVAS@mySTADIO, in
case you need technical support whilst completing the online test. Should you experience any issues during the completion
of the test, click on the Help button on the Global Navigation Menu on the left of your screen. Select the ‘Chat with
Canvas Support (Student)’ option for Live Chat Support. Note that Canvas support can only assist you with Canvas
system problems.

Stage 2:
Completing the online test

You will find the link to the online test on the relevant Quick Links page and the calendar on CANVAS@mySTADIO, and
you will also be prompted about the online test on the ‘Coming up’ items on the Calendar. Make sure to read the online
test Guidelines before you get started. Be cautious of copying your friends. Not only is this cheating, but Canvas will also
be mixing up the questions, so this practice is not advisable. In multiple-choice questions, the chance of getting an answer
correct by guessing is not very high. Your best strategy is to know your material well. If it is an open-book test, make sure
to have your textbook and other learning material handy.

The following tips may help you:

✓ Read the questions carefully
✓ Read all the alternative answers, even if you think the first one is correct
✓ Eliminate any answers that you know are wrong
✓ Sometimes it is preferable to think about what the correct answer might be before looking at
the alternative answers
✓ Eliminate answers that contradict common sense or are illogical
✓ Answers that you cannot understand are likely to be incorrect
 ✓ Be wary of options that include absolutes such as ‘always’, ‘never’, ‘all’, and ‘none’ – they will
often make a statement false
✓ Be especially careful of negatives (read such questions carefully) – these may be in questions
that include phrases like ‘Which of these is not...?’ and/or ‘All of these except…’.
✓ Watch your time carefully. Do not spend too much time on one question.

Note that, once you access the test, the time will start running. Do not access the test simply to see what it looks like –
accessing the test will count as your first attempt.

Your online test on CANVAS@mySTADIO will be automatically marked. Based on how much you achieved on the first
attempt, you can decide whether you need to make use of any additional attempt/s provided. If you are happy with the
marks achieved on the first attempt, it is not necessary to make use of any additional attempt/s provided.

Stage 3:
Learning from the online test

The marks that you obtain from the online test will be an indication of how well you have mastered the learning material.
This understanding should help you prepare for the examination if required. Refer to the feedback provided and make
notes of your observations and insights to implement and improve the next time. Below are suggestions for typical types
of questions that you should ask yourself:
• Was I able to keep to my online test planning?
• What should I do the same or differently the next time?
• What issues must I revisit in my learning material and/ or clarify with my lecturer?

To conclude, we wish you well with your Online Test. In the famous words of Dr. Seuss:

“ Think left and think right and think low and think high.

Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

– Dr. Seuss

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