7 Things You Need To Know About Taking Remotely an Online Exam
To many, taking an online exam is somewhat of a new experience. This, therefore, means a majority of the students do not know what to expect or even how to comfortably prepare and handle the online exam. With the advancement in technology, students should equip themselves with the relevant skills that would enable them to undertake and perform well in online exams. The recent outbreak of Covid-19, which saw massive lockdowns presented many students with the reality of having to take online classes and even exams. This article will therefore focus on seven major steps that you should be aware of in regard to taking online exams remotely.
Before discussing the tips, it is important to understand that are different ways or types of taking or administering online exams. These include:
- Timed online exam-As implied by the name, the exams are constrained in a given time frame say two hours to finish the exam.
- Untimed exams-Students are not limited by the amount of time taken on answering the question, rather they tend to focus on the depth of the answers given.
- Live online proctored exams-They is the same as the classroom exam where there is a physical supervisor who monitors how the exam is undertaken through a web camera and a microphone.
- Record and review proctored exam-This works like the live online proctored exam online that in this case a student’s audio and video are recorded when undertaking the exam and later reviewed by the proctor for any exam irregularities.
To maximize your chances of performing in online exams, we need to evaluate what you need to know or do before the exam, during the exam, and after the exam. By ticking all three boxes, you are certain of good grades in your online exam.
Before undertaking the online exam, it is advisable to:
Prepare adequately for the online exam.
Just like a physical exam, an online exam requires full attention in terms of revision. Go through the class notes, carry out extensive research on the topic in the library and also form revision groups with your fellow coursemates. This boosts your confidence even before undertaking the online test.
As part of the preparation also take time to go through the exam requirements. These may include when the exam will take place i.e., the date and time, the time frame of the exam, or how long the exam will take. It is also important to find out whether your professor has set up a special place e.g., the school library for you to undertake the exam or you can take it from home. These aspects are important to find out before the exam day to avoid last minute rush.
Take a sample test beforehand.
Always make sure to take a practice test before exam day. This helps you familiarize yourself with the website being used to carry out the online exam. It also serves to identify the type of questions you expect to find in the exam whether short answer questions, essay questions, or even multiple-choice questions. Finding this helps you know the test format expected hence you are able to adequately prepare for the same. If the test is not available, it is prudent to reach out to your tutor to help you out with the same.
Check out your computer.
It goes without saying, that one of the most vital gadgets in the success of your online exam will definitely be your computer. It is therefore advisable to make sure that your computer is up and running before the exam begins. Check to make sure that it is able to access the exam site too. The WIFI connection should also be checked and if possible, have an alternative WIFI source in case of downtime. Make sure to also install and test run the software necessary in handling the exam. A convenient location should also be set up to make sure you do experience any distractions in the course of taking the exam.
After preparing thoroughly for the test you are now ready. During the online exam you should:
Manage your time wisely.
Supposed you are taking a timed online exam; it goes without saying that time will be a key factor in determining how well or poorly you perform. Each question should be allocated a specific amount of time to ensure you do not overstay one question at the expense of others. An important tactic to use in managing time is to first brush through all the questions, choose the questions you will attempt, answer the questions that require more time first and then finish with the easier questions that do not require much time. Reserve the last minutes to go through your work correcting any errors that you may have committed. Make sure to submit your assignment after completing it within the stipulated time. Do not refresh your browser until it is confirmed that the assignment has been submitted.
Do not leave the test page.
Unless your exam is open book never leave the test page for any reason whatsoever unless the exam instructions state otherwise. If allowed to use the internet always make sure to open a different browser this helps to prevent you from losing the exam date. It is also wise to follow exam best practices. More importantly, make sure to stick to the set guidelines and exam instructions.
Do not panic in case of emergency.
Technical problems may happen during the exam. These may result even after having tested your exam software beforehand. The technical hitch may range from being locked out of the exam to being unable to access the exam questions. In this case, do not panic. It is advisable to capture the screenshot of the error being experienced and reach out to your professor. If you can contact the technical team and also reach out to them with errors being experienced.
After submitting the exam:
Review your experience.
Have a sit-down with yourself to review how you did with the online exam. This should also include the questions that were challenging to you. In cases where you are able to access the results immediately, have an honest review of how you performed. The purpose of this step is to enable better preparation for future online exams by learning what you didn’t do or preparing well in the already taken test.
Conclusion.
Just like a physical exam, the online exam requires effort by the student in order for them to score highly. It is therefore important to use logic when answering questions. You should also be ready to undertake an online exam within the course of your study, especially with the ever-changing trends. Fret not, with the above guide you are more than ready.