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Rasmus BlokOct 20, 20254 min read

UNIwise and Schoolyear partner to enable secure desktop applications in high stakes exams

At UNIwise, we’re guided by a clear ambition: combining standardised excellence with flexibility. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new partnership with Schoolyear which bring even more adaptability to institutions that rely on authentic, application-based assessments. With WISEflow and Schoolyear working side by side, universities can now run desktop applications like Excel and SPSS in a secure, controlled exam environment without compromising academic integrity.

“This partnership is about giving institutions confidence to run authentic, application-based exams without compromising security or operational simplicity. WISEflow orchestrates the process; Schoolyear provides the safe workspace. Together, we make it seamless.”

Rasmus BlokFounder and Product Evangelist at UNIwise

WHY UNIwise AND SCHOOLYEAR ARE A GREAT MATCH

isciplines like business, statistics, psychology, and engineering require students to work in full desktop applications during exams. While the browser-based lockdown solution FLOWlock is ideal for many scenarios, it wasn’t designed for tasks that demand desktop tools like Excel or SPSS.

That’s where Schoolyear comes in. Their Safe Exam Workspace provides full desktop lockdown, via Azure Virtual Desktop. Combined with WISEflow, institutions get a secure, flexible exam environment that supports authentic, application-based assessment without compromising academic integrity.

“Our mission is to enable secure, authentic digital exams - allowing every discipline to assess real skills using real tools. Together with UNIwise, universities can combine powerful assessment workflows with a fully locked-down environment for real-world applications. ”

Wim GraasFounder & CEO at Schoolyear

THIS PARTNERSHIP ADDRESSES THE FOLLOWING PAIN POINTS:

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT

Let students solve tasks in the actual software (e.g., Excel, R, SPSS) to better mirror professional workflows and learning outcomes.

SECURITY BY DESIGN

The exam device is locked down so candidates can only use the available desktop apps and resources you approve - no access to personal files, no internet, no distractions.

OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY

Whether your exam is on campus in computer rooms or in lecture halls, the setup supports your context and scale

CLEAR ROLES AND WORKFLOWS

WISEflow continues to manage the end-to-end assessment lifecycle; scheduling, submissions, marking, moderation, while Schoolyear provides the secure application workspace during the exam session.

HOW WISEflow AND SCHOOLYEAR WORK TOGEHTER

The solutions are designed to be used together without need for integration. WISEflow orchestrates the assessment process and timing; Schoolyear provides the secure environment during the exam so students can access only the desktop tools you’ve approved. No deep product integration is required to get started, though there is a manual setup step prior for Schoolyear. Institutions simply obtain a Schoolyear license, set it up instructed by Schoolyear and follow our joint guidance to configure the workflow.

FROM AN INVIGILTOR AND IT PERSPECTIVE:

  • Prepare the exam in WISEflow as usual (participants, timing, materials).
  • Configure the allowed desktop applications in Schoolyear for the specific cohort.
  • Run the exam: students enter a locked down desktop workspace where only the permitted apps (e.g., Excel, SPSS) are available.
  • Submit and assess in WISEflow, keeping all marking, moderation, and feedback in the same familiar workflow.
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BENEFITS FOR INSTITUTIONS:

  • Better alignment with learning outcomes: Assess applied skills using the real tools students will encounter in professional settings.
  • Reduced risk: A locked down, auditable environment protects exam integrity while giving staff operational control.
  • Faster adoption: Start with the side-by-side setup. No complex integration project needed and scale your use as required.
  • Consistent assessor experience: All submissions, marking, and moderation remain in WISEflow. No contexts witching for examiners.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Reach out to UNIwise or Schoolyear to know more or to get started. If you’d like a walkthrough or to discuss your specific desktop application exam needs, book a conversation with UNIwise and we’ll help you evaluate the best configuration for your context. Once ready, our teams would gladly provide guidance on how to proceed and to set it up together with you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Thinking about switching to WISEflow? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about functionality, implementation, and why institutions choose UNIwise.

Why do universities need secure desktop applications for high‑stakes exams?

Some disciplines, such as business, psychology, engineering, and statistics, require students to work in full desktop applications like Excel, SPSS, or R. Secure desktop environments ensure students can complete authentic, real‑world tasks during exams while maintaining strict academic integrity.

What operational benefits will instructors and administrative staff experience?

WISEflow significantly reduces manual work by automating exam creation, role assignment, and data flows through integration with STADS. This lowers the risk of administrative errors and frees staff to focus on academic quality rather than repetitive tasks.

What makes WISEflow a reliable choice for secure digital and on-site exams?

WISEflow supports the full exam lifecycle, from creation to grading, while offering robust security for supervised on‑site exam environments. Integrations and secure workflows ensure that both students and staff can trust the platform during high‑stakes assessments.

How does WISEflow differ from other digital assessment platforms?  WISEflow stands out by offering a unified solution for the entire sector, strong integration with Student Information Systems (SIS), flexible exam formats, and a structured onboarding process. UNIwise acts as a strategic partner rather than just a vendor. 
How will AI-assisted feedback enhance the assessment process in the future?

AI-assisted feedback in WISEflow will help educators draft consistent, high‑quality comments by identifying patterns, highlighting gaps, and supporting fairness across large groups. Humans remain in control, while AI reduces workload and strengthens the quality of feedback.

How is exam security maintained when using full desktop applications?

Schoolyear’s Safe Exam Workspace locks down the device so students can only access the approved software, no internet, no personal files, and no unauthorised resources. This creates a secure, auditable environment while WISEflow controls exam timing, submissions, and marking.

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