Why Universities Must Consider Online Examination Now?

Overview

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the online examination system has become a savior for universities worldwide because it helps evaluate the students without any problems. Not all universities have moved to the online examination and learning system due to a lack of efficient resources like Information Technology (IT) systems and digital technologies. The following article will demonstrate why universities worldwide should consider online examinations. Also, the governments of different nations like the USA, Canada, and many more are encouraging universities to adopt online examinations and advanced education systems to cover exams, lectures, evaluations, and other academic tasks from a vast distance. Although, the universities which have initiated technology-driven measures during the lockdown show less disruption in students’ academic performance. 

Figure 1: School closures at the global level due to Covid-19

(Source: UNESCO, 2021)

Online examinations include assessments that require internet, virtual screens, and candidates. There is a high need for online tests and learning among schools, colleges, and universities to maintain academic integrity. According to UNSECO, the lack of digital technologies and online examination systems has affected at least one-third of students from pursuing their education remotely. Moreover, the education system needs to be transformed and become more equitable, resilient, and inclusive by leveraging technology to benefit learners worldwide. Figure 1 shows the affected learners and country-wide school closures due to pandemics and lack of technology. 

Reasons to consider online examinations

Education has drastically expanded after the impact of globalization and the Covid-19 pandemic. Although, various educational institutions have started implementing advanced technologies to perform several academic processes like fee payment, examinations, admissions, etc. As a result, the universities, schools, and colleges can track and store every student’s data. In addition, the universities should consider online examinations because of the following reasons as shown below:

• High security in examination paper – The implication of the online examination system offers a high level of security and flexibility within the examination process. Furthermore, the system can shuffle the questions in different orders, which prevents cheating among students. Also, the universities can minimize the risk of getting paper leaked using an online examination system. 
• Faster processing of results – The universities can evaluate students’ results more accurately and instantly with the implication of an online examination system. The evaluation process of papers in offline examinations is time-consuming. It involves a lot of steps that can lead to human errors.
• No need for examination centers – Universities’ use of online examinations will allow them to conduct exams for candidates from different remote areas. The surveillance in the exam is performed with the help of a microphone and webcam. This type of method is known as remote proctoring. The main benefit of conducting online exams is that students can appear for the exam from remote areas without spending on accommodation and travel. This further resolves problems for universities, such as scheduling exams in different examination centers with security, appointing invigilators, etc.  

Benefits of online examinations

Online examinations are more convenient, economical, and secure than paper-based assessments. There are several benefits for universities that switch to online reviews, which are given below:

• Minimize examinations and logistic costs – In online exams, the logistics cost is low because results processing is done online, so there is no need to collect answer sheets from every examination center for processing. Furthermore, online examination systems are more feasible and affordable because they reduce the cost of transportation, ink, paper, and other traditional education methods. Hence, online examinations are more economical and environmentally friendly.
• Promotes continuity in education and learning – The educational institutions which are based on online models can ensure continuity and minimize difficulties in students’ learning at times of global pandemic. Thus, the universities or other educational institutes will not have to postpone exams and maintain academic sustainability. Also, the online examination system empowers students to accomplish their educational goals from any part of the location. 
• Develop a tech-savvy image – The educators who build their mindset toward digital adoption in the administration creates a dynamic image among the new generation. In addition, the learners from the new age become more in sync with the educational institutions that have built a practical understanding of digital mechanisms and tools.

Conclusion

The implication of online examination systems has become more important for universities, higher education institutions, training centers, and many others. Online examinations are more economical, safe, and secure even during pandemic crises like Covid-19. Therefore, universities should consider online tests to foster continuous learning among students.  

Most universities take proctored exams. A proctored exam is a supervised test conducted to judge a student’s skills. If you face difficulty in your proctored exam, you can pay someone to take my proctored exam for me and easily score good grades.