The widespread lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 epidemic have demonstrated the value and use of distance education. The education process would have been severely impacted without digital lectures and online examinations, leaving millions of students throughout the world without access to education for a very long time. There are several concerns concerning the reliability of e-learning, particularly with regards to online testing.
Exam Formats for the Web
Schools have made great strides in adapting to the modern online learning environment. There is an increasing variety of alternative, cutting-edge approaches to online assessment that streamline and facilitate the evaluation procedure. Let’s take a look at some of the most typical online-learning assessments.
Online Test Clockwise
Students have a set amount of time to complete each section of a timed exam. Time limits may be set for the entire testing session (for example, 2 hours to finish all activities), for individual sections of the test (for example, 30 minutes for each segment), or even for individual questions (for example, 1 minute for each response) for such an examination.
Unscheduled Tests
In contrast to the above-mentioned sort of online exam, untimed exams do not limit pupils in time but instead place more emphasis on the breadth and depth of the answers provided. Exams in technical fields, such as mathematics and science, are typically timed, but assessments in the humanities and related fields are typically untimed, especially if the questions require a lengthy response.
Exams with Live Online Proctors
Live, online proctored exams are equivalent to in-person exams in nearly every way. A proctor sits in on the class and uses a student’s webcam and microphone to keep tabs on the authentication procedure and the entirety of the online exam. Due to the need for a live proctor, the exam time is set and must be scheduled in advance.
Exams with a Recording and Reviewing Proctor
Examinees whose video and audio are captured are said to have used “recorded proctoring.” A proctor then looks over this information to find any cheating or other improper behavior. Since it saves both time and money, this mode of testing has surpassed live online proctoring in popularity. However, it fails in the absence of human oversight.
Exams using Electronic Proctoring
An online exam that does not need a human proctor is an automated proctored exam. In this scenario, the recorded exam is analyzed by fraud detection software; if any suspicious activity is detected, a report is sent to a human proctor for further investigation.
What to Do Right Before Your Exam
The online version of a test will likely look and function significantly differently from the paper version you took in class. Some things to bear in mind when you study for an online test are provided below.
Review the Test Regulations
Know whether the test is timed or not, and whether it will consist of multiple-choice, extended-essay, fill-in-the-blank, or other types of questions. Read the test-taking guidelines to familiarize yourself with what is and is not allowed during the exam. Finally, find out whether there are any technical specifications (such as a blocked browser) for the computer you intend to use.
Get Your Testing Area Ready!
Get yourself settled into a relaxing spot where you won’t be disturbed. Make sure that your roommates or anyone else who shares your residence won’t bother you if you need to study for an exam. Take away any prohibited items (such as phones, notes, etc.) from the testing room. If you don’t want your laptop or computer to die unexpectedly, make sure to charge it.
Run Some Tests on Your Computers
Make sure your machine is up to snuff with the test specifications. You should also have a steady internet connection. Keep in mind that hardwired connections are preferable to wireless ones in order to prevent connectivity issues. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan ready in case of technical difficulties during the test.
In the course of the Digital Test
Once you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to buckle down and begin the test. If you need some study advice, you can find it here.
Maintain a Time Log
Most tests have a time limit attached to them. It’s best to move on to a new question frequently. It’s also advisable not to look at the clock too frequently, especially while asking a question. An alert can be set (say, 30 minutes before the test is over) to help you stay on track.
Try to Memorize Everything on the Test
If you can review the entire quiz, it’s a good idea to double-check your answers to make sure nothing was missed and to boost your confidence. Furthermore, if permitted, it is preferable to keep both the exam questions and your answers in case of grade disputes.
Keep Your Eyes on the Test Page!
Make sure you have two tabs open in your browser, one for the exam, and one for the search, if you are allowed to use the internet. If you accidentally close the test page, you may lose your answers and perhaps fail the test.
If you run into technical difficulties, try not to freak out.
First and foremost, keep your cool if there is a technical issue. If you have the invigilator’s or testing center’s contact information, you can immediately and thoroughly explain the issue, including screenshots if necessary.
Following the Test
Let’s take a look at some advice that will come in handy after you’ve already turned in your test.
Analyze and Think About
Give yourself some time to think after you’ve finished the test. Read over your notes, double check the questions you weren’t sure about, and look for the solutions to the ones you couldn’t figure out. This will aid you in not just gauging your performance on the exam, but also in discerning where you and your preparations for the exam fell short.
Verify Your Mark
As soon as you receive your mark, go back through your answers to double check your work. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to bring them up to the teacher for comments or clarification.
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