Online examination software are digital tools that evaluate learners’ knowledge and competence in a wide range of educational courses. Examination software can be used by learners in an institution or by those learning remotely.
In the face of the global Covid-19 pandemic, many learning institutions across the globe have closed doors. Some have switched to online learning and assessment platforms to ensure continuity in education.
According to recent statistics from the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, different countries have come up with different strategies to cope with the adverse effects of the coronavirus on the education sector.
A rapid global analysis that involved surveys in 84 countries indicated that 58 nations had rescheduled assessments in their learning institutions.
Twenty-three countries opted for alternative assessment techniques such as remote or online examinations, whereas 22 other nations decided to continue assessments amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 11 of the studied nations chose to annul examinations altogether.
As nations move away from the traditional learning system, some are adopting remote learning and assessment. For instance, Bangladesh uses the BTV channel to air primary and high school lessons so that students can learn remotely.
In England, primary and secondary learners can access free courses on an online platform. The British department of education also offers laptops to underprivileged students to ensure no one is left out of the learning process.
According to BBC, a majority of learners in England are using video platforms like Zoom to hold online classes and group discussions.
However, many countries across the globe are still grappling with the adverse effects of COVID-19 on education.
For some, online learning and assessment is still a far-fetched dream that is yet to become a reality.
Five impacts of examination software on the education sector
Online classes are the best way to ensure continuity in learning amidst a global pandemic.
At the end of the course, learners must undergo standard assessments, particularly for high stake assessments. That’s where online exam software come into play.
Below are the five major impacts of assessment software on the education sector:
1. Exam Software have helped to ensure assessment integrity.
A sticking point that arises in remote assessment is how to ensure examination integrity and preventing exam irregularities. The use of exam software ensures assessment integrity by offering remote proctoring.
A survey by the Australian Council on Open Distance and eLearning found 24 out of 47 higher learning institutions in Australia and New Zealand had proctoring software.
Remote proctoring has allowed teachers to record or observe students and their devices during an exam. Proctors use screen and webcam recorders to monitor the whole exam process and identify any cheating activity.
Some online exam platforms utilize artificial intelligence systems that autonomously monitor the examinee by capturing webcam and screen data similar to a remote proctor.
Institutions are also combining AI systems with remote proctors to minimize the probability of exam cheating.
2. Online Assessment software has improved exam flexibility and feedback.
Online assessments allow students to take exams at their own time unlike traditional examinations. Teachers can also involve learners in formulating the exam schedule to ensure everyone is contented.
These tools ensure candidates get quick real-time results after every exam. For instance, multiple-choice quizzes are often graded by an AI system that generates a quick result slip after the exam.
Such a rapid exam-results feedback system assists in easing tension and anxiety among examinees.
3. Exam software has helped to personalize the student assessment process.
Learners acquire knowledge and comprehend concepts differently, and educators must seek to accommodate every pupil’s needs when preparing assessments.
Online examination software has simplified this process. They use vast online resources to prepare customized tests that can gauge learners based on their skills or interests.
Teachers can use behavior recording software to identify interests during online classes and subsequently use the data to assign personalized exams.
4. Assessment software has increased the use of technology and the internet
North America led this statistic, with 88% of the population having internet access while south Asia had the lowest at 30%.
With more and more institutions using online-based learning, the demand for exam software has gone up.
Millions of students learn and take exams remotely. Countries across the globe have recorded an increase in the adoption of technology and the internet.
5. Exam software has changed the culture and norms associated with examinations.
The introduction of remote assessment software has changed how learners and instructors view and conduct examinations.
First, learners must be proficient in using online assessment tools before tackling any exam.
Students must first have elementary knowledge on how to operate a computer system, browse the internet, among other relevant digital learning tools tied to their specific assessments.
Tutors must also be trained on the best practices for remote proctoring and grading of students. Many institutions are searching for teachers who are conversant with the online learning and assessment procedures.
To Wrap Up
Remote examination software has helped ensure the continuity in education and revolutionized how we conduct academic tests amid global pandemics such as COVID-19.
Learners and students must now prepare for a tech-led era of learning and assessment.
