logo
logo
Sign in

A Glimpse Into How Online Exams Are Conducted

avatar
Vensysco Infra
A Glimpse Into How Online Exams Are Conducted

The world is rapidly moving towards digitization. The field of education is no exception. With the rise of the internet and advancements in technology, the concept of online exams has gained significant popularity. Online exams are considered a convenient and efficient mode of assessment for students and institutions alike. However, the question arises, how online exams are conducted? An exam-conducting agency, a company or even a national testing body can conduct online exams.


In this article, we will delve into the intricate details of the online exam process and shed light on the various steps involved. But before we get into how online exams are conducted, let us discuss whether online exams are secure.


Are Online Exams Secure?


Online examinations have gained immense popularity in recent times due to their flexibility and convenience. However, with convenience, also comes the concern of security. Many people question whether online examinations are secure enough to prevent cheating and maintain the integrity of the assessment process. 


Cheating has always been a concern in academic exams. No matter how online exams are conducted, there is always a possibility of malpractice without the help of professional exam-conducting companies. Practices such as impersonation, screen sharing, online searching, hacking right answers etc. are rampant. Students might even take help from their friends and family.


How Online Exams are Conducted?


While the concept has been gaining traction since covid era, how online exams are conducted is still a mystery to many. Here is the process of online exams that will give you a fair idea of how online exams are conducted.


Exam Software : The first step in conducting an online exam is to choose reliable and secure exam software. There are numerous exam software providers available in the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the popular online exam software include ExamSoft, Moodle, Blackboard and ProProfs. These software programs are designed to ensure the security and integrity of the exam and prevent any kind of cheating or malpractice.


Exam Creation : Once the exam software is selected, the next step is to create the exam. This involves setting up the exam questions, assigning marks, and determining the time limit for the exam. Exam questions can be in various formats including multiple-choice, true/false, short answer, essay, or a combination of these. The exam creator can also set up the exam to display questions randomly or in a specific order.


Exam Delivery : After the exam is created, it is time to deliver it to the students. The exam can be delivered in various ways including a learning management system (LMS), through the exam software or by email. The students are given a specific time frame within which they have to complete the exam.


Exam Proctoring : One of the most critical aspects of online exams is ensuring exam security and preventing cheating. This is where exam proctoring comes in. Exam proctoring is the process of monitoring the students while they are taking the exam to ensure they are not cheating. This can be done through various means including video proctoring, AI-based proctoring, or live proctoring. Video proctoring involves recording the students while taking the exam and reviewing the footage later for any signs of cheating. AI-based proctoring uses artificial intelligence algorithms to detect any cheating behaviour such as looking away from the screen, using mobile devices, or talking to someone. Live proctoring involves having a proctor monitor the students in real time through a video call.


Exam Grading : After the exam is completed, it is time to grade the exam. The exam software automatically grades the multiple-choice and true/false questions, while the instructor grades the essay and short answer questions. The exam grading process is much faster than traditional paper-based exams, as the software eliminates the need for manual grading.


How Online Exams are Conducted with Secure Technology?


As it is evident from the aforementioned section, online exams have a secure framework. However, there are still chances of nuisances if there is any mistake in any of the steps. So what is usually done to make online exams secure? 


Using secure exam software and expert exam proctoring are two reigning ways to protect the integrity of examinations. Several components come together to conduct a fair exam. However, the possibility of academic cheating should not be ruled out entirely. 


Let us now discuss the additional security measures taken during online examinations to ensure their validity and reliability. In addition to exam proctoring and using secure exam software, here are the technologies and techniques that answer how online exams are conducted securely.


Randomisation : Another security measure that online exams employ is randomisation. This means that the questions are displayed in a random order for each student, reducing the likelihood of cheating. Furthermore, some exam software allows for the randomisation of answer choices, further reducing the possibility of cheating.


Time Limits : Online exams usually have a time limit, which is enforced by the exam software. This ensures that students do not have enough time to seek assistance or look up answers during the exam. The time limit also ensures that the exam is completed promptly and helps institutions maintain their schedules.


So this is how online exams are conducted securely. Online examinations are secure as long as proper security measures are taken. These measures include selecting reliable and secure exam software, employing exam proctoring, randomisation, and time limits. By implementing these security measures, institutions can ensure the validity and reliability of their online exams and maintain the integrity of the assessment process.


Final Thoughts : Online exams have become an integral part of the education system, and their popularity is only going to increase in the future. The online exam process involves selecting reliable exam software, creating the exam, delivering the exam to the students, proctoring the exam, and grading the exam. By understanding the intricate details of the online exam process, institutions can ensure the integrity of their assessments and provide a convenient and efficient mode of evaluation for students.


collect
0
avatar
Vensysco Infra
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more