According to the researchers, technology advancements over the last few decades have forced higher education to shift from a “brick and mortar synchronous environment” to a “click and learn asynchronous environment.” The current pandemic has probably hastened this transition. During COVID-19, for example, online tests have become more prevalent at colleges all across the world. In this essay, we will look at the benefits and drawbacks of online exams in 2023.
An online exam is a type of virtual test that people take on a computer (desktop or laptop) using the internet. An online exam can be given and taken from any location. The majority of online exams are administered by human proctors, various types of proctoring software, or a combination of the two.
Examiners can conduct online tests, sometimes known as virtual exams, to applicants who live in remote locations. Candidates are instructed to utilize their laptops to reply to questions in an online test. When the exam is completed, the test window will close. An online test can be written in any chosen format; it is not required to be in MCQ style.
Benefits and drawbacks of online exams
According to the researchers, technology advancements over the last few decades have forced higher education to shift from a “brick and mortar synchronous environment” to a “click and learn asynchronous environment.” The current pandemic has probably hastened this transition. During COVID-19, for example, online tests have become more prevalent at colleges all across the world. In this essay, we will look at the benefits and drawbacks of online exams in 2023.
An online examination system is a type of virtual test that people take on a computer (desktop or laptop) using the internet. An online exam can be given and taken from any location. The majority of online exams are administered by human proctors, various types of proctoring software, or a combination of the two.
Advantages of online exams
Accessibility and Convenience
One of the primary advantages of online tests is their convenience. After creating papers with question banks and a database of past tests, examiners can easily upload them to the testing system. Because the tests are online, students can select the days and hours that work best for them (proctored exams have some limitations). It is a huge benefit since students can receive their results almost instantly. Furthermore, as previously said, online tests scale extremely well, making it simple for course administrators to create assessments.
Cost-Effective
Online tests have various advantages for administrators. When the human, logistical, and administrative costs associated with traditional test settings are considered, it is easy to identify an online exam system as the most cost-effective option to deliver exams at scale. There is no requirement that pupils take the exam in large, open locations. The flexibility of time and location is quite enticing to examinees. When taking exams online, there is no need to rent a classroom or pay a proctor for manual invigilation.
Grading System Automated
One of the benefits of an online test system is an automated grading system, which is more practical than a traditional grading technique. Because of the advancement of technology in e-learning and the increasing number of participants, we require a perfect scoring system that minimizes teacher workload, saves time, and preserves fairness. Automated scoring selects the correct answers by comparing the responses of the respondents to the model solution.
Maximum Time Utilisation
Everyone involved in developing, delivering, and marking exams, from students to professors, understands the enormity of the task. One of the primary benefits of using an online assessment approach is that it decreases the time required to oversee the full exam procedure. The exam platform saves teachers and students time that would otherwise be spent on laborious procedures.
Disadvantages of online exams:
Change Resistance
While the technological side of online tests is extremely beneficial, it can also bring some challenges. Some people, particularly older students who are not computer adept, may find the transition from traditional pen and paper to online study difficult. The transfer may take some time at first as examiners learn how to use the technology and make the most of it. Some students and examiners may simply be resistant to change.
Concerns Regarding Cheating
One of the major disadvantages of an online exam system is cheating. Students routinely impersonate others, particularly during high-stakes tests, causing universities to suspect test-takers’ identity. Students can also get help from others by using cellphones or wearables. Candidates’ platforms also provide several ways to cheat, such as screen sharing, attaching external storage devices, and so on.
Questioning with a Limited Scope
The technology automatically administers and assesses online tests. Although teachers create the exam questions, a significant disadvantage of the approach is that it favors closed-ended questions. These are the objective types, or those with the majority of responses consisting of single words. However, there are open-ended, lengthy, subjective exam questions that count for more marks. It will be difficult to create a system that will allow the computer to evaluate it on its own. Teachers will need to analyze the lengthy form separately because it is also significant, and this circumstance will necessitate human intervention. The intended human-free examination of the online exam is failing to accomplish its aim, which is the issue once again.
Infrastructure Deficit
One of the most significant barriers to online exams is a lack of access to equipment and facilities such as computers, tablets, and/or a consistent internet connection. This aspect of online tests can be especially tough for pupils in rural areas. The need to set up testing facilities, plan test hours, and engage facilitators may outweigh some of the benefits of online exams, such as cost and convenience.
There are two sides to every story. Online tests certainly have disadvantages, that much is obvious. However, if online examinations become more prevalent, they can meet a broader range of needs, making the benefits clearer than the negatives. By choosing the suitable online examination software, you may save time and money, and you won’t have to worry about taking the inappropriate assessment examinations. The most cost-effective online exam software like that of Mercer | Mettl allows for scalability, assures data security, and allows for third-party connections when needed. Choosing the proper software vendor is almost as important as choosing the right online exam platform.
