Your answers

Alternative ways of presenting answers in an examination

Most students write their examination answers by hand, in answer books. If that is not possible for you, think about which of the available alternatives listed below would be the most suitable and tick the appropriate box or boxes on the request form for examination arrangements.

Typed using a computer

If you want to use a computer in an examination you'll have to demonstrate that you need to use it because of a disability or health problem that prevents you from writing your answers, and that you know how to use it.

You’ll have to provide the computer, a printer and at least one memory stick to record your answers on. Memory sticks are available from your regional or national centre.

Also you may use only a basic word processing specification, unless we agree beforehand that you can use other software.

Students using a computer either sit their examination in their own home or at their regional or national centre, depending on their circumstances.

Braille

You must provide the Brailler and the paper.

Voice-activated recognition software

You must provide your own software which we have approved for use in examinations.

Dictation

You can dictate your answers to an amanuensis (or scribe), or record them. Unless you have a strong preferene otherwise, we advise you to use an amanuensis rather than record your answers.

• An amanuensis can read questions out to you, take dictation, draw diagrams and fill in answer sheets that come with the question paper. Having your answers in front of you allows you to check them before your script comes back to us for marking.
• We appoint someone to act as amanuensis. It would be someone you do not already know, and usually this person will also act as your invigilator.
• Recording answers allows you to dictate at your own pace, which is a considerable advantage. But it can be very difficult to make changes to a recorded answer, or to record answers that need detailed calculations or diagrams. You need to be extremely well organised if you are to record answers successfully. You’ll also have to provide your own recorder. An audio typist at the OU will transcribe your answers at no cost to you, so that we can mark them. You will not see your transcribed answers and we won’t return your recording.

Computer-marked questions and separate answer sheets

Your examination might include a computer-marked section to be answered on a separate form, or a special answer sheet for some questions. So whatever method you use for answering other parts of the paper, you may need a different method for these parts – perhaps an amanuensis. For advice about this, please ask your tutor or the Examinations section at your regional or national centre.

How to get more help

Staff at your regional or national centre can offer more advice about the options described here, and there may be guidance notes they can give you. None of these methods is easy to use, and whichever you choose you may find it slow and tiring. You may be allowed some extra time to compensate for this.