The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has compelled educational institutions to re-think in-person learning and move to the online learning sphere. Everything is slowly becoming automated, from conducting daily live classes to administering assessments online.
According to reputed online exam help stalwarts of an eminent website, MyAssignmentHelp.com, though there are efforts to make tests electronic from the traditional pen-and-paper exams, it doesn’t change the ultimate objective of accomplishing fair evaluation. Online learning always goes hand-in-hand with digital assessments to ensure a student’s mastery.
However, there exist two sides of the coin you may want to look at. In today’s comprehensive post, we will walk you through the boons and banes of electronic exams for educational institutions.
Let’s dive right in!
Advantages of Online Examinations
- Environmentally Friendly
One of the greatest yet indirect benefits of electronic tests is their environmental impact. This is mainly one of the reasons why the online exam proctoring market was valued at US$706.23 million in 2022 and is predicted to reach US$ 1742.95 million by 2028. It is also estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2022 to 2028.
Susan Grey, a stalwart who offers exam help at Myassignmenthelp.com, strongly believes that pen-and-paper examinations demand a lot of paper to print questions and answer sheets. A lot of waste also occurs due to printing errors, not to mention the carbon footprint of the logistics around getting the papers to and from test locations. Hence, electronic tests are the most environmentally friendly assessment option.
- More Secure, Less Cheating
Security has always been a challenge with offline exams, especially high-profile tests like SATs, TOEFL, and college and university final exams. With electronic tests, there are fewer chances of leaks since there are no physical papers that can go missing during the printing and logistics process. Another security benefit is that educational institutions can use question banks that randomly choose questions. This implies that almost no two tests are the same, reducing the chances of cheating.
- Immediate Generation of Results
Checking answer sheets after an offline exam on a large scale is one of the most daunting aspects of the offline exam. Manual checking and preparation of results, along with time, demands effort. However, with an online exam, all these efforts are saved.
This is mainly because the software through which the exams are conducted can furnish detailed analyzed results. This minimizes the examiner’s stress and helps them focus on students who require extra attention.
Disadvantages of Online Examinations
- Difficulties of Tech
While the tech side of online tests is a huge advantage, it can pose some serious challenges. The transformation from traditional pen-and-paper to online can be daunting for some, especially older students who are not computer literate. The transition can also initially take time as test conductors need to get used to the system and look for ways to use it most effectively. Further, certain students and professors may simply be resistant to change.
- Infrastructure Issues
One of the greatest challenges of online tests is learners’ access to technology, including tablets/computers and/or a stable internet connection. This crucial aspect of tech tests can be especially difficult for learners in rural areas.
- Lack of Proctoring
The integrity of the examinee is most questionable in an electronically conducted exam. According to a survey, 57% of educational institutions underline ‘the lack of complete trust and assurance in cheating prevention techniques’ as their most pressing concern in offering electronic examinations.
Online exam implies a student can be anywhere so how can the examiner truly know is the person who is giving the test and who have registered for the test is the same. Even if institutions develop a plan through which they can hire an invigilator, it can be incredibly expensive. It defies the purpose of online tests, saving up on the cost of recruiting invigilators.
Final Words,
There are pros and cons to every kind of examination system. Hence, every educational institution must evaluate different systems to see which will better meet their specific needs.
However, it should also be remembered that online exams have numerous benefits. As technology keeps improving, these benefits will continue to grow, and soon, online tests will become the standard for course assessment. Hence, it is time to adapt to the modern method of education today!
Author Bio
Mark Jonathan is a reputed professor in the US. He also works for MyAssignmentHelp.com, where he is known for offering one-on-one tutoring and doubt-clearing sessions.
