5 Common Myths About Online Exam Busted

5 Common Myths About Online Exam Busted

5 Common Myths About Online Exam Busted
Saru Niraula

Exams quickly move from the old offline (pen and paper) mode to the online mode. Exams at every level, from the federal to the state, are now administered online and offline. 

Private universities are also making a valiant effort to keep up with the trend of online exams.

However, compared to the offline version, a tiny percentage of pupils choose the online option. Think about JEE Main 2018, for instance. 

Only 2.25 lakh of the 11.5 lakh candidates registered for the exam this year chose the online option.

Given the stark contrast in the numbers, it is wondered if the online mode has gone over well with students. If so, the reasons for this are explored. 

Additionally, the myths surrounding online exams that students may be afraid of being examined. Many students interviewed expressed opinions and justifications for not choosing the online mode. 

However, it is found that some of these justifications are based on urban legends and misconceptions. Even though students have yet to adopt the online format fully, it is acknowledged that it has advantages. 

To better understand the online system, it is suggested to dispel some of the frequent misconceptions students may have about it.

Here is a list of 5 common myths about online exam busted

Myth: Online exams are more accessible than in-person exams

Fact: Online exams can be just as challenging as in-person exams, as the same level of knowledge and understanding is expected from the test-taker. Online exams are designed to test the same content and skills as in-person exams and often require the same level of preparation and study. Additionally, online exams may have additional distractions that can make them more challenging, such as the temptation to use the internet or other distractions in the test-takers environment.

Myth: Online exams are not secure

Fact: Online exams can be made secure through proctoring software and other security measures. Proctoring software can monitor the test-taker's screen, webcam, and microphone to detect any suspicious activity. Additional security measures, such as IP and device tracking, can also be used to ensure that the test-taker is the person they claim to be and that the test is being taken on an approved device. These measures can help to prevent cheating and ensure the integrity of the exam. Additionally, some online exam platforms use encryption and secure connections to protect the data and test-takers' privacy.

Myth: Online exams can be easily cheated on

Fact: While it may be possible to cheat on online exams, many proctoring software and security measures are designed to detect and prevent cheating.

Online exams have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and flexibility. However, some believe that online exams can be easily cheated on, as students can use various methods, such as searching the internet for answers or collaborating with others during the exam.

While it is true that some students may attempt to cheat on online exams, many proctoring software and security measures have been developed to detect and prevent cheating. These include tools like remote proctoring software, which uses webcams and artificial intelligence to monitor students during the exam, and plagiarism detection software, which can identify when students use unauthorised sources.

Additionally, many online exam platforms have strict policies to prevent cheating, such as disabling certain browser functions, locking the student's computer screen, and automatically flagging suspicious behaviour.

Overall, while it is possible to cheat on online exams, many measures are in place to prevent it and to detect any cheating attempts.

Myth: Online exams are only for certain types of students or courses

Fact: Online exams can be used for many students and courses, from high school to college and from traditional academic subjects to professional certifications.

The myth that online exams are only suitable for certain types of students or courses is not accurate. Online exams can be used for a wide range of students and classes. This includes high school students taking traditional academic subjects such as math, science, and history and college students taking more specialised courses such as engineering or business. Additionally, online exams can also be used for professional certifications, such as for individuals in IT, healthcare, and finance. The flexibility of online exams allows them to be used in various settings, making them valuable tools for educators and organisations.

Myth: Online exams are not accurate measures of student knowledge

Fact: Online exams can be designed to be just as precise as in-person exams and can be validated and calibrated to ensure they are fair and reliable measures of student knowledge.

The myth that online exams are not accurate measures of student knowledge is based on the assumption that online exams are inherently less reliable or valid than in-person exams. However, this is only sometimes the case. Online exams can be designed and administered to ensure they are just as accurate as in-person exams.

One way to ensure the accuracy of online exams is through validation and calibration techniques. Validation refers to the process of determining that an exam measures what it is intended to measure. 

Calibration refers to ensuring that the exam scores are consistent and reliable across different groups of students.

For example, item-response theory is commonly used to validate and calibrate online exams. It allows for the measurement of the difficulty and discrimination of each question in the exam, which can help identify and remove poorly-performing questions. 

Additionally, online proctoring and identity verification can be used to prevent cheating, ensuring the authenticity of the test taker.

In conclusion, online exams can be just as accurate as in-person exams and can be validated and calibrated to ensure they are fair and reliable measures of student knowledge. 

However, it's important to note that the design and administration of the exams should be done with care and attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and validity of the exams.

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