How Computer Based Online Exams are Conducted
Measuring the results of knowledge imparted to students in all forms of education and training calls for optimized and quantifiable assessments. For a very long time, institutions have used assessments for the evaluation process, but the pandemic has disrupted the ordinary course they used to follow to assess students.To cater to the threats and vulnerabilities in the education sector, computer-based exams and online exam softwares were introduced to build a solid framework to protect academia from such disruptions. Although computer-based testing does not require as many resources as its forerunner, pen-and-paper testing has revolutionized the way for conducting exams; some issues have crept in regarding its credibility. Thus, the article discusses how compute-based testing is conduct in the current evaluation system.
What is Computer Based Test Conducting?
People frequently use the term “online exams” to refer to computer-based exams, but there is a slight distinction between the two.
Computer-based exams can be undertaken by using online computer-based test software, as the name implies, using computers. Each student has their computer at the designated centre. On the monitor screen, the exam question paper will be visible. The student must enter the correct responses using either the keyboard, mouse or both. The computer, the student, uses to take the online test is typically referred to as a “client” computer.
A “server” computer linked to the internet is also present. The server computer is in charge of administering the test. The adaptability of computer-based tests is one of their most appealing qualities. It enables the organization to carry out the exams and quickly evaluate the students’ test results and other information.
Unlike offline exams, computer-based exams are a much more secure method of administering exams. Exams taken offline have much more room for error and contain many more unknowns. Contrarily, when adequately administered, computer-based exams can be stress-free and straightforward for the test-taker and the organization issuing the exam.
In the case of online exams, the distinguishing feature is that online exams must be taken successfully with constant and uninterrupted internet access. In contrast, Even without an internet connection, one can administer computer-based tests. The examinee can take the exam online without enabling network access and can either save the results locally on the system or transfer them online to a web server.
How are Computer-Based Exams Conducted?
Conducting examinations becomes less burdensome administratively when using CBT, as it saves time and effort that would have otherwise gone into setting up testing centers, printing and distributing exam materials, and other overheads. Some of the advantages which make computer-based exams conduct in the current evaluation system are:
Instant Grading: Online instructors can score select-response exams (such as multiple choice or True/False) instantly, enabling them to make changes to the curriculum in real time based on assessment results and allowing learners to see their results right away. This quick grading frees teachers to concentrate on feedback, which is time-consuming and essential for learning. Learners can get assistance and guidance from online instructors or, depending on the assessment’s design, from the evaluation itself about what they should do to improve.
Multiple-Test Administrations: Throughout an e-learning programme, learners can take as many quick and dependable assessments as they like. To correlate national or regional standards with the information gathered from these assessments, we can measure students against these standards. Online courses and instructors can use longitudinal data to identify trends and enhance their curriculum. Most LMSs facilitate the exporting of these datasets into a database, enabling evaluation and research needs to examine them.
Assessments can be Dynamic And Individualized: It is possible to personalize and cater tests to each learner. Each question’s difficulty level can vary depending on the learner’s prior responses. Utilizing applications like Skype or FaceTime, which enable instructors to connect with students and provide personalized oral exams, can further personalize examinations.
Checkout The Traditonal Classroom vs Digital Classroom.
It Makes Adaptive Testing Possible: Computer-based adaptive testing adjusts question difficulty based on the test-taker’s responses. The computer selects harder questions when the test-taker answers correctly. Adaptive testing requires a database of questions with varying difficulty levels. The entity administering the exam must provide the database for adaptive testing. The computer evaluates the test-taker and adjusts question difficulty level accordingly.
There’s less room for cheating: Exams administered using a computer give examiners more opportunity to monitor students’ integrity and ensure they don’t commit any exam-related fraud. Online proctoring is a viable option for this. The student must turn on their camera and audio for an online proctored exam. After that, an internet proctor closely supervises them during the exam. As a result, the candidate will be subject to rigorous inspection. The proctor is free to stop a test if they determine that an applicant has engaged in any form of malpractice.
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Ease of taking exams for all: Computer-administered exams are adaptive and aid differently-abled people. If test-takers avoid cheating, proctors allow them to take exams in a comfortable environment. The introduction of computer-based tests has led to an increase in the number of differently-abled individuals taking exams. Braille keyboards, magnifying devices, screen readers, and more aid accessibility. No impairment prevents access to opportunities with voice-to-text and text-to-voice capabilities.
Saves time and effort: Computer-based exams significantly reduce the time required by both the test producer and the test taker.. The only thing the test creator needs to do is create the questions and the proper solutions, then upload them into the software used to administer the online exam.
The software guarantees that the applicant sees the questions accurately and evaluates the candidate’s responses correctly. It also lifts the stress of pen-and-paper exams, enabling students to perform better. Computer-based exams have a broader reach, providing the advantage of reaching a wider audience than exams administered in other ways.
Exams taken on a computer are flexible since users can select the testing location and time frame that best suits them. This is particularly helpful when a pandemic, like Covid, requires many people to take exams from their homes. This feature allowed students to take exams in the convenience of their homes.
Conclusion
The arguments outlined above make clear the credibility and advantages of computer-based tests in the existing evaluation system. As we can see, computer-based assessments are here to stay and will likely continue to significantly impact the educational landscape. The fact that students now have a more comfortable option for taking tests than in the past will substantially aid the growth of the education sector. Computer-based tests have proven reliable, and shortly, we’ll see a lot more of them. Soon, our exam will be transformed.
Writer & Publisher
Manjeet Mehta CEO @Pesofts
Manjeet Mehta is a writer and CEO @Pesofts. He graduated from IIT Roorkee in 2013. Mehta started his own business. He aimed to grow the education sector using technology. You can check out LinkedIn him and follow here LinkedIn