In the age of digital learning, online exams have become the go-to assessment method for educators around the world. But with convenience comes complexity. How can we be sure that these virtual tests are truly measuring what they’re supposed to and upholding academic integrity? Fear not, for this blog delves into the nuances of assessing the quality of online exams, ensuring your students get a fair and accurate evaluation.
1. Content Alignment
Is the exam testing what you were taught? The first step is ensuring the exam questions align with the learning objectives and course content. Analyse your curriculum and map it to the exam questions. Are all key concepts covered? Is the difficulty level appropriate? Misalignment can lead to confusion and unfair assessments.
2. Question Quality
Variety is the spice of life, and good online exams offer a diverse mix of question types. Multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essays, and even interactive elements can all play a role. But remember, quality trumps quantity. Each question should be clear, concise, and free of ambiguity. Confusing phrasing can lead to misinterpretations and inaccurate answers.
3. Technical Integrity
Online exams are susceptible to technological hiccups. Ensure your platform is reliable and secure. Test it beforehand and provide clear instructions to candidates on how to navigate the exam interface. Consider offering practice tests to familiarise them with the technology. Glitches and crashes can be stressful and detrimental to performance.
4. Fairness & Accessibility
It’s also good to assess if students with disabilities are accommodated. Providing extra time, alternative answer formats, or screen reader compatibility is essential for ensuring equal access to the exam. Consider if the exam is accessible to diverse learners. Look at factors like language usage, cultural references, and cognitive differences to ensure fairness for all students.
5. Feedback & Analysis
Are candidates receiving meaningful feedback on their performance? Feedback should be specific, actionable, and not just focused on the final score. Is there data available to analyse exam performance? This data can inform future course improvements and identify areas where candidates may have struggled.
An online exam platform you can trust
EDExams is a trusted online exam platform that provides in-depth analysis and feedback to candidates and organisations on performance. Live proctoring and invigilation are also provided by the team to ensure a smooth and fair exam is delivered. The platform also includes a customisable layout that is easy to use showcasing various types of questions.
If you would like to learn about EDExams and what it can offer call 01909 384090, send an email to mail@edexams.com or book a free online demonstration here.
