WISEflow for students

The most effective way to access WISEflow is via https://uk.wiseflow.net/brunel or from the automated email generated by WISEflow.

Any assessment on WISEflow is called a flow. There are two types of flows we normally use for coursework submission.

	FLOWassign Main PDF submission: 200MB Appendix material: You can continue adding files here until your total submission including the main PDF, is 10GB
	FLOWhandin Total submission: 10GB

Users can reduce the size of their PDF file using available online compression platforms such as Smallpdf

Please also see the section the How to upload / submit files below.

Important: although you can upload any file type as appendix material on FLOWassign or as your main submission on FLOWhandin, make sure you are still submitting file types that the markers will be able to open easily.  Here are some general recommendations:

Recommended file types for submission in WISEflow

Typed/ written documents	PDF (required for FLOWassign) DOCX/ DOC ODT TXT
Spreadsheets	XSLX/ XSL CSV
Presentations	PPTX/ PPT ODP (be aware that this format is best for simple presentations as some information might be lost when saving and opening .odp files.)
Sound	MP3 WAV
Videos	MP4 (recommended) AVI
Images	JPEG PNG

Note: if your coursework brief instructs you to upload a specific file type not listed in the table above, those instructions should be followed. 

We would recommend using Chrome to access WISEflow as this is generally the most stable and supportive browser. The following web browsers can also be used:

• Edge
• Firefox
• Opera
• Safari

Web browsers not listed here may also be used to access WISEflow, however we cannot guarantee a consistent user experience for them. Make sure that your chosen browser is up to date at all times to prevent errors from occurring when using WISEflow. 

Note: Internet Explorer (IE) is not recommended. Microsoft officially ended support for IE in November 2020 and this browser will likely prevent you from accessing key features on WISEflow and other browser based applications. 

Users can reduce the size of their PDF file using available online compression platforms such as Smallpdf

You can compress large video files using the free sofware Handbrake. View the following video guide to help you:

Compressing in Handbrake 

Please be aware, if a submission deadline is set, for example at 16:00, this means your work must be uploaded and submitted before or at 16:00:00. Submissions made at 16:00:01 or later will be considered late.

Your WISEflow website dashboard for the flow will show you the exact time (in hh:mm:ss) that you submitted.

Please also note, where a published deadline is 12:00, this is 12:00:00 (noon) unless otherwise specified.

Please see the screenshot below: The deadline is at 12:00 (12:00:00 noon) and the student has submitted before the deadline at 11:54:27 (AM).

The slideshow below covers some general recommendations for a device. These recommendations take both digital exams and general study into account so that, if your device is well maintained, this should see you through several years of study.

If your current device doesn't meet some or all of these recommendations, don't worry. The most important thing is that you can use it to study. It is also important that you check whether you are able to take a WISEflow exam on your device well in advance of your digital examinations. If you need to borrow a suitable device for your exams, see Where can I borrow a laptop for my exams?

If you are a new student or have never used WISEflow before, you may see a screen like this when you try to log in for the first time:

In this instance, your account may not have been set up yet. Your account will be created when your first assignment is activated. You should wait to receive an automated email from WISEflow about your first assignment, along with your deadline and a direct link to the submission area. You can then click on the link in the email to sign into your account, or go to https://uk.wiseflow.net/brunel and log in using your network username and password.

If you have already had an automated email from WISEflow and are still having trouble signing into your account, please contact studenthub@brunel.ac.uk as there may be an issue with your account settings.

If you are having trouble accessing other services such as Brightspace you may have issues with your network account. In this case please visit the Tech Zone, on the ground floor of the Bannerman library or contact the IT Services team.

Please note if your assignment is of type FLOWassign (A flow assign will have the FLOW title next to a FLOW icon that looks as follows:)

 

You are required to upload a PDF as your main submission. If you attempt to upload any file other than a PDF, you may get the following error message:

You can resolve this by uploading a PDF.

When uploading a PDF file to a FLOWassign type flow, you may see this error message, despite the fact that your file does not appear to be corrupt:

This typically occurs when you use an outdated web browser. If you are unable to update your web browser to the latest version (e.g. because you are on a University managed device which requires admin permissions), try switching to Chrome instead, where the previous two versions are still supported. 

WISEflow automatically archives previous assignments so that the ‘Flow Overview’ can display current and up to date flows. This happens automatically 1 month after the marking period has ended. You can access past work from your Archive as seen in the image below:

1. You have been added to the flow but it has not started yet. You will need to wait until the start date/ time has been reached to see your coursework brief and start uploading/ submitting your work, but you might be able to see items under "Additional material" that you've been permitted to access early. 

2. The flow has started. You can now access your coursework brief and start uploading and submitting your work.

3. The flow is now closed for participation and your submitted work is being marked.

4. The marking period has ended and you can now access the flow to view grades and feedback. 

,

Different flow types that you may encounter on WISEflow

FLOWassign	The most common flow type used for coursework submission. Focused on written/ typed submissions such as essays and reports. Accepts a PDF file only for the main upload, but other files can be attached as appendix material if this is permitted.
FLOWattend	A flow that can be used for attendance based modules such as placements, or where you do not need to submit anything digitally. A physical submission (e.g. a performance or a product prototype) may still be required.
FLOWhandin	A flow to submit any file type or any number of files (e.g. PowerPoint slides, a video diary or a game prototype).
FLOWlock	A flow type used for secure, typed essay style examinations. A piece of software called the LockDown browser will need to be downloaded and installed before taking a FLOWlock exam. Note: before each exam period, please ensure the  lockdown browser is up to date.
FLOWmulti FLOWmulti-locked	A flow type used for exams which contain multiple choice or interactive questions. If there is a padlock symbol on this icon, you'll need to have the LockDown browser installed on your device in order to take the exam. Note: before each exam period, please ensure the lockdown browser is up to date.

When you click on a flow from your overview, you'll be taken to the main flow page for the assignment. At the top of this page is the submission deadline:

Once the start date/ time is reached, you'll see your coursework brief in the middle of the page under "Assignment" (or exam questions for a take home/ open book exam):

On the right hand side of the page, you can view more information about how the flow is being graded, who is managing the administration for the flow and who is marking the work, if appropriate:

You can also see any additional material for your assignment that has been uploaded (e.g. questions for a seen exam) and access any direct messages that have been sent to you on the flow:

At the bottom of the page is the area where you can upload and submit coursework:

Or start an exam:

If you are worried that a current assignment is missing from your Flow Overview, please contact the studenthub@brunel.ac.uk

If you can no longer see an old assignment that you used to have access to, the flow may have been archived. See Find old assignments for more information.

Please contact studenthub@brunel.ac.uk in the first instance informing them of your student number, module code and the specific assignment relating to your query.

If you are having trouble accessing other services such as Brightspace, you may have issues with your network account. In this case, please visit the Tech Zone, on the ground floor of the Bannerman building or contact the IT Services team.

For any other technical queries relating to WISEflow, please contact studenthub@brunel.ac.uk

FLOWassign submissions must be in PDF and you cannot simply convert a Word document to PDF by changing the file name. Instead, you should follow the guidelines below. If you want to add digital material to supplement your coursework or exam paper (film, sound recordings, programmes, etc.), you should upload this material as 'Appendix material'.

Below are some examples of how to convert / save your file as a PDF:

In Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint:

1. Open your file.
2. Go to File > Save As or Export.
3. Choose PDF (*.pdf) as the file type.
4. Click Save.

In Google Docs:

1. Open the document.
2. Go to File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf).

In Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator:

1. Go to File > Save As or Export.
2. Select PDF format.

In Pages:

1. Open your document in the Pages app.
2. Click File in the top menu bar.
3. Select Export To > PDF.
4. Choose the PDF quality:
   • Best (for printing)
   • Better (for general use)
   • Good (for smallest file size)
5. Click Next.
6. Choose where to save the file and optionally rename it.
7. Click Export.

Sometimes your exams maybe conducted on paper to capture written elements of your exam such as formulae and diagrams in the most efficient and practical manner. These exams are conducted as WISEflow paper submission exams.

During a WISEflow paper submission exam, you will need to write your answers on paper scripts in the exam venue, instead of entering them on your device. To enable us to automatically upload your paper script to WISEflow, you will be given a 5 digit code that you need to write on the top of each of your answer scripts. This code is referred to as an "Individual paper code", and it will be given to you at the exam venue by your invigilators.

You will be given a set of instructions (along with your individual paper code) that will look similar to the example screenshot shown below:

 

If you were given the above paper code NOONX, (this is only an example); page 1 of your answer script would look like as shown on the screenshot below:

  

You will be required to fill in the paper code in each page of your answer script.

There will be invigilators present to help you to enter this information during the exam.

Once you're ready to submit, click the "Upload" button in the first area on the left and select the appropriate file(s).

Below is an example of submitting to a FLOWassign flow type where your main file needs to be a PDF. Please click on the upper 'Upload' button to upload the PDF file. If you have any additional files (appendices), add them via the lower 'Upload' button under 'Appendix material'.

Remember, if files are large or your internet connection is poor this will have an impact on upload times. Give yourself plenty of time before the deadline to complete this. If you've uploaded a compatible file type (e.g. PDF, MP4, JPEG) you will also be able to preview what you're going to submit. 

Please note, if you are submitting to a FLOWhandin flow type, there will be only one 'Upload' button where you can upload all of your required files.

Next, check the cover sheet area in the middle. If there are fields that you can, or are required to complete, you'll see a blue 'Fill in the cover sheet' button:

You may also see a yellow warning message here if there are mandatory fields that have not yet been filled in. WISEflow will not let you submit unless these mandatory fields are completed.

Mandatory fields on the cover sheet are denoted by an asterisk (*):

The final step is to click the green 'Click here to hand in' button on the right:

It is important to note that if the submit button is disabled (grayed out), you have not successfully  completed all sections as outlined above.

Once clicked, you'll see that you have successfully submitted your work:

For detailed information on taking your digital exams at home, it is strongly recommended that you visit this page. You may also find the following guidance videos useful:

Guide to FLOWassign take home exams 

 

Guide to FLOWhandin take home exams 

 

Guide to FLOWmulti take home exams 

 

How to use Microsoft Office Lens to create PDFs (Android) 

 

 How to use Microsoft Office Lens to create PDFs (iPhone)

 

Your results will be available once the academics have finished marking your work and the flow looks like this in your overview:

 

 

If you cannot see your feedback even though the flow has ended, contact your Taught Programmes Office (TPO) administrators.

Once you've clicked the button to hand in your work, there will be a blue "Request receipt" button that you can click to receive email confirmation of the date and time that you submitted:

Note: these receipts will be invalidated if you withdraw your submission.

When you are nearly ready to submit your thesis, you will need to send a final draft of your thesis to your Principal Supervisor for review as part of the CheckIt process. To do this:

1. Advise the PGR Office that you are ready to upload to WISEflow. 

2. The PGR Office will set up the system and you will receive an email with a link to the WISEflow page.

3. You should upload the final draft of your thesis in PDF format via this page. WISEflow will generate a report for your principal supervisor to review.

4. Please allow a minimum of five working days for processing and marking, and extra time over University closure periods at Christmas and Easter.

5. Your supervisor will indicate a pass or not a pass on the similarity report which you can access via the WISEflow link.

6. If this is not a pass you should meet with your supervisor urgently to address the issues, prior to formally submitting your thesis to the PGR office.

Important: the process for borrowing a laptop for WISEflow exams has changed for the current examination period due to the Covid-19 quarantine. Find information on borrowing a laptop for your "At Home" exams . 

If permitted, you can withdraw and change your submission on WISEflow as many times as you like up until the deadline. However, there are certain things you need to be aware of:

The system only keeps the latest version of your submitted work. If you are uploading a newer version make sure you have enough time to upload and hand-in again before you do so. The screenshot below provides a step-by-step approach:

Click on 'Withdraw submission' (highlighted below):

 

Tick the box, and then click 'Execute':

Click on the burger menu just after the main paper you have uploaded; from the options select delete, and then click confirm.

Try to avoid making any last minute changes to your submission on WISEflow in order to avoid submitting late.