Help - Using the FAT system

The Feedback and Assessment Testing (FAT) system is an online assessment and revision tool for the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. It contains revision and assessment tests - some FAT tests will only be available on the release date/time of the test. The assessment tests are final, official assessments so you must make sure you understand how to use this system.

Click on the links below to jump to the relevant help sections.
Logging in for the first time
System requirements
Assessment tests
Revision tests
Troubleshooting
Using a modem – important information

Logging in for the first time

To login to FAT for the first time use your student number as both your username and password. You will then be prompted to change your password and to provide your email address. This password can be used throughout the semester for all subjects.

Note: Passwords for other online systems such as the Online Tutor are maintained separately.

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System requirements

The system requires the use of Internet Explorer 5 or above (download the latest version from www.microsoft.com/ie), with 'cookies' and JavaScript enabled. You can enable cookies and JavaScript from Tools/Internet Options/Security/Custom in your web browser - check the enable cookies and enable JavaScript options.

Note: Some firewall software may interfere with the normal use of this application. If you are experiencing difficulties turn off your firewall software or use one of the computer labs on campus.

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Assessment tests

Assessment tests are official assessment tasks that contribute to your end-of-semester mark. Assessment tests can only be done once, so please make sure you understand the information below.

Introductory screen

Before starting a test an introductory screen will appear. From this screen you can start the test or return to the Control Centre screen.

Warning: Once you click Continue from the introductory screen, your official assessment has begun and time limits will apply.

Time limits

Assessment-based tests are usually allocated a time limit, which will be displayed when you click on the test name. You must complete the online test in this set time. The time will continue counting down even if you exit the test. If you answer a question after the time limit has expired, your answer will not be recorded. Instead you will be shown your score based on the questions you answered within the time limit.

'Confidence' questions

Some tests may include a 'confidence question' below each assessment question, which simply asks you how confident you are with your answer. Please select your confidence level as accurately as possible as it helps your lecturer to measure the difficulty of the test and make adjustments to future tests. Your answers to confidence questions will not affect your test score or subject result.

Question buttons

During your assessment the following buttons/options are available:
Skip Question - Click on this to skip the current question. Skipped questions will be displayed again after all other questions are completed (if time permits).
Review Answers - At the end of your test you can review all the questions and your answers. You can also change your responses (if time permits).
Browse Questions (only available in some tests) - Click on this to read all the questions in the order they will be presented. You must actually start the assessment before you can read the questions (your lecturer has made allowances for reading time when allocating the time for the test).

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Revision tests

Revision-based tests are usually available during the whole semester. However, for some subjects revision tests are staged throughout the semester, or tests are presented first for assessment and then released later for revision.

Time limits

Time limits do not usually apply to revision tests and unlimited attempts are allowed.

Question format

After selecting your answer to a question, you will be provided with a feedback screen that explains why your answer is correct or incorrect and/or provides you with hints to guide you to the correct answer. If you answer incorrectly, the question will be repeated (with previously selected answers removed) until you choose the correct response.

Stopping the test

You can stop a revision test at any time. If you select that test again you will automatically resume the test from where you left off.

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Troubleshooting

Follow the instructions below if the FAT system is behaving unexpectedly during a test:

  1. Close the FAT Internet Explorer window.
  2. Click on Start (bottom, left-hand side of your screen).
  3. Go to Settings/Control Panel.
  4. Double click on Internet Options.
  5. In the General tab, click on the Delete Cookies button (respond OK to the prompt) and then click on the Delete Files button (click the 'Delete all offline content' box and then click OK).
  6. Click OK to close the Internet Properties window.
  7. Start FAT again and resume your test.

If the problem persists, contact technical support via email (tlu-help@unimelb.edu.au) or by using the Technical Support link located on the login page. In most cases, technical support will respond to your request within one business day. Please make sure you include:

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Using a modem – important information

Call waiting or call forwarding services may interfere with your connection when using the FAT system. If you’re sitting an assessment test, you should disable call waiting and call forwarding (see table below) before sitting the test.

Warning: Dial up again immediately if disconnected because the timer on assessment tests will continue counting down, even while you're not connected.

Telstra Codes

Enable Call Forward *24(number)#
Disable Call Forward #24#
Enable Call Waiting *43#
Disable Call Waiting #43#

Punch the above codes into your phone's handset to enable and disable call forwarding and call waiting. If you're not with Telstra, check on your telephone provider's website for the appropriate codes.

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