Quick Start for Students

A viva is a short oral assessment where you record yourself answering questions. This guide walks you through the process from start to finish.

Vivas are designed to be low-stress. You get preparation time before each question, clear instructions throughout, and the ability to use notes while recording.

1. Find Your Viva

Access VivaEdu through your LMS (Blackboard, Moodle, or Canvas). Click the VivaEdu link in your course to see your dashboard with all assigned vivas.

Your Dashboard

Essay Reflection Viva

Philosophy 101

Due: 15 Feb 2026, 23:59

2. Understand Viva States

Each viva shows a button indicating what you can do:

Ready to start. Click to go to the setup screen.

You started but didn't finish. Continue from where you left off.

Past due date but still within the late window. Submit ASAP.

Submitted and waiting for your instructor to review.

Grades released. Click to see your scores and feedback.

3. Before You Start

Quick Checklist

Quiet environment

Stable internet

Working microphone

Enough time (check duration)

The setup screen lets you test your microphone, do a practice question, and check your settings before the timed session begins.

4. During the Viva

Each question has two phases:

Prep Time

Read the question
Review any context materials
Take notes in the notepad
Start recording when ready (or wait)

Recording Time

Speak your answer clearly
Reference your notes if needed
Stop early or wait for time to end
Move to next question

The Notepad

Use the notepad to jot down key points during prep time. Your notes stay visible while you record, but are never submitted to your instructor.

Notepad3

My key points for this question:

- The economic impact was significant because...
- Social consequences included...
- My conclusion ties back to...

Private to you • Cleared after submission

Notes are private. Only you can see them.

Notes are temporary. Cleared when you submit.

Notes are local. Won't carry to another browser.

If You Get Disconnected

Don't panic. VivaEdu saves your progress. If your connection drops or you close the tab by accident, just navigate back and click "Continue". You'll resume from your first unanswered question. Previous recordings are safe.

5. After Completion

After the final question, wait for uploads to complete (usually quick since most uploaded in the background). Then you can:

Listen to your recordings
Read the auto-generated transcript
Add comments if something went wrong during recording

Once your instructor reviews and releases grades, you'll see your scores and feedback.

Tips for Success

Structure your answer.

Use prep time to outline: main point, supporting detail, conclusion.

Don't read verbatim.

Notes are for guidance. Speaking naturally shows understanding.

It's okay to pause.

Brief pauses to think are fine. Rushing leads to disorganized answers.

Use the practice viva.

If available, complete it first to get comfortable with the interface.