What is Online Examination System?
Online examinations are a way to assess students’ information and skills in a distance learning setting using a computer or mobile device and the internet. Students can attempt exams online, and the window closes once they send the test.
An innovative software called the online examination system makes it easier for institutions to administer tests by automating tasks like setting up remote paperless administration, creating question banks for examinations, and outlining timers for objective and subjective parts.
Types of online exams
It is now possible to hold a range of examinations using the online method thanks to enhanced proctoring and customised exam solutions. Several of the popular online test formats include:
- Semester and the school entrance examinations
- Evaluations of programming and coding
- Assessments of aptitude and disposition
- Vivas and video questions
- Mock exams for training
- Media-based or image-based internet tests
- Open-book exams
- Exams and events that are competitive
Advantages of Online Examinations Advance
Different kinds of benefits may be realised depending on the evaluation software being used. Still, one clear advantage is that organisations will experience a significant reduction in the managerial work required to plan and conduct examinations. Here are 13 essential benefits of online evaluation that you should consider.
1. Test takers are accustomed to digital: Instead of using a stylus and paper, exam applicants can complete their work as they are accustomed to on a computer. Students must access computer modifying tools when writing, such as copying and pasting text or using a database for accounts, and their learning will be improved. Switching to ink and paper can be challenging and exhausting when you are used to working virtually with an online course.
2. Lessening of Administrative Costs: When examinations are administered online, organisations experience a significant reduction in managerial workload. It takes time and money to print inquiries on paper, distribute them, and plan the shipping of finished scripts to the marks. As a result, online tests and allowing students to take them online are quicker and more effective.
3. Results are marked and issued more quickly: Online tests can be graded rapidly, and candidates appreciate getting their findings right away. Students can get instant and ongoing input from their exam findings using auto-scorable questions.
4. Authoring Collective Questions: The examining authority can handle all the duties involved in making exams more efficient, thanks to online learning. Authoring questions can now be done jointly for the first time in more than ten years, and there are established processes for reviewing and approving questions before they are submitted to the question bank. This enables the teacher to incorporate new information and guarantee that they administer actual aptitude exams to each pupil.
5. Tools for automated test assembly: Exam papers can be readily produced using selected questions, automated tools, or linear-on-the-fly testing to generate automatic and randomised papers once a bank of inquiries has been approved. Here is more information on linear-on-the-fly testing. Additionally, these multiple-choice tests can effectively evaluate students’ knowledge and guarantee to advance of their learning, much like a formative evaluation can. The variety of exam formats guarantees that deductive reasoning is strengthened and that student learning is improved. Students can present themselves in the best light by making quicker improvements based on direct input from these exams.
6. Tools for on-screen marking: Through online learning, marking and editing, exam results and aptitude tests have been simplified and are now organised. When test findings are handled online, they are much more secure and standardised and provide fast feedback. Here is more information on on-screen labelling.
7. It’s More Environmentally Friendly: Online testing is significantly more eco-friendly because it uses less paper, publishing, and transportation.
8. Scalable and Global Reach: Examining organisations are no longer limited to giving exams in basic testing facilities, so they can now offer exams to applicants across wider geographic regions. As a result, pupil learning can advance globally, marking the start of widespread learning. Ensuring that students are free of the tests they can take improves the chances of education for those looking for new information and growth in their education.
9. Increased Security: Greater security is another advantage of online evaluation because all test papers, applicant information, scores, and outcomes are digitally recorded. Additionally, only those individuals who need access to online test material can be given the proper system access. Handling access, storage, and outcomes is much more challenging with paper-based examinations.
10. The ability to take exams wherever you want: Candidates can take a safe and invigilated online evaluation from the convenience of their home using remote invigilation, also known as online proctoring. This reduces stress and saves time and money compared to travelling to a testing facility. Discover more advantages of online proctoring here.
11. Evaluation Reporting: Online evaluation makes quick and concise reports on candidate findings and development possible. This simplifies providing applicants with insightful comments about their performance, areas where they excel, and knowledge gaps.
12. Cost Effectiveness: Due to the significant decrease in administrative time spent overseeing the entire test development, distribution, and marking processes, online evaluation is more cost-effective. Below, you can learn more about various online test cost savings.
13. Accessible Assessments for All: It is simpler to modify evaluations for applicants with disabilities when they are administered online, such as by altering the font size or backdrop colour. Additionally, giving additional time to online applicants who require special evaluation is simpler. Visit this essay on accessibility in assessments to learn more.
Features of Online Examination System
The Online Examination System functions to stop applicants from engaging in any kind of deception or misconduct. These tools have made it incredibly easy to keep an eye on the applicant, even from a long distance away.
- Image-based proctoring: A web camera captures pictures of the applicants at predetermined intervals. By looking them up in the database, the managers can review these pictures later for discrepancies, such as candidates not facing the camera or numerous faces in front of the camera.
- Using audio as a proctor: A sound-sensitive method is employed in this form of proctoring to record any variations in the sound. It will send an error notice if this feature detects even the slightest sound, such as a voice emanating from the candidate’s backdrop or turning pages.
- Using a video monitor: A proctor or administrator watches the applicants on a webcam throughout the test. This video evidence is recorded to be reviewed later if it becomes clear that one of the candidates cheated.
Some artificial intelligence-powered processes are built into online examination platforms. Let’s examine them now.
- Detecting objects: This function aids in detecting any suspect actions during the test activity, such as consulting books or using any technological devices to look up solutions. If it detects any deviation, it has the ability to halt the test instantly.
- Live conversation: During exam action, this function employs chatbots for communication. To ensure a smooth online test, applicants can communicate with the supervisor to get their questions answered.
- Facial recognition of the user: The most widely used AI method is facial recognition, which scans a candidate’s visage before a test to verify their identity. The applicant will be authorised to begin the trial if the scanned visage matches the one in the database. The Online Examination System also offers the following additional helpful tools.
- Secure Browser: This feature is useful when an applicant attempts to start a new window, move to another window, or even when a screen recording or screen-capture program operates in the background. This feature could stop the test, and the applicant might be eliminated.
- Proctoring depending on IP addresses: The machine’s IP address is recorded in the database when the applicant starts the software. If the candidate attempts to begin the exam on a device with a different IP address, this function can halt the test.
- Tracking auditing: This feature is beneficial because it keeps track of all exam-related activities, including cursor clicks, question switching, exam start and finish times, and login and exit times. In the event of any inconsistency, it sends an erroneous notice.
Tips while choosing the right Online Examination System
Numerous companies create online examination systems, some of which might assert that they offer many features. Some of them might prove helpful, while others might need to be more to guarantee the efficient operation of online examinations. Here is a summary of the criteria for selecting an online test.
1. Security: Security is crucial because we are discussing examinations. Checking the security features that online evaluation platforms provide is essential. These security systems must be robust and made with the finest technology available.
They must use encryption and decryption to keep confidential information like passwords, question banks, test timetables, exam patterns, etc..
It must offer methods for applicant authentication and permission to prevent identity fraud. It must have features for distant invigilation and be capable of firmly discouraging cheating or misconduct.
2. Complexity: Everyone dislikes software that is difficult to use and has poor usability. The usability of exam-related software is crucial. Because of this, it’s crucial to pick an easy-to-use internet testing method.
Simple-to-use systems will guarantee flawless online test administration and achieve customer happiness.
3. Training: This is another crucial factor to consider when selecting an online testing method. It is essential to give instructors and students preparation time before the test because online exams are still relatively new to the educational system.
The teachers and students should be invited to training sessions, practice exams, videos, and other events to give them a preview of the forthcoming online exam. They can become more accustomed to the system’s features, usefulness, and operation.
This will encourage students to take the test with conviction, making it simpler to administer the online examinations.
4. Auditing procedure: The pupils may occasionally ask questions about their response sheets. The fairness of the online exam’s administration may sometimes need to be confirmed by the managers. The auditing procedure is highly beneficial in such circumstances.
All test-related actions, including login and logout times, exam start and finish times, mouse movements, locations, IP addresses, etc., are recorded during the audit process. All of this data must be saved to make retrieval simple.
5. Scalability: There is a possibility that the server will crash if numerous students show up for the test at once. The online examination may be terminated if the server cannot handle the burden brought on by the rising traffic.
Scalability is, therefore, essential to prevent this. This feature ensures that even many candidates who show up for the test simultaneously can take the online examinations without any issues.
6. Consistency: All internet-connected devices must be functional with the online test system, including desktop and laptop computers, iPads, smartphones, and laptops. The plans must be able to operate on mobile devices such as Android phones, cell phones, etc.
The candidates must be able to use any gadget they choose to start the online test. This will guarantee that every candidate, regardless of place, takes the online tests.
7. Quick question answer: During the test, the Chatbot’s AI-powered function comes in very handy. Before the test, the students and parents might pose concerns. Technical difficulties could arise for the pupils either before or during the trial.
Chatbots can assist in immediately answering all of these questions. This will enable them to avoid wasting time on fixing various technical problems and guarantee that they begin and finish the exam precisely on schedule.
Conclusion:
Big businesses use online exams for hiring or training reasons. But as of late, educational institutions have also begun to consider the idea of Digital India carefully. The Indian educational system is gradually adopting the educational strategies practised in western nations. As a result, the Indian educational system has begun implementing online learning techniques to raise the information standard.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The goals of the online examination system, or rather the purpose of any test (online examination system), are to ensure that the student understands the course material and that the exam accurately represents what he or she has studied.
It enables educators, educational institutions, and colleges to assess students’ academic progress and success. Additionally, it aids the instructor in customising the course material and teaching methods to the requirements of the learners. Online evaluation has altered the nature of schooling over the last two to three years.
Examiners can administer online tests, also called virtual exams, to applicants located far away. Candidates are anticipated to use their computers to respond to the queries in an online test. Once the test is finished, the test page ends.
