Education

Online Exams: Pros and Cons for Students

The dominance of the internet has taken over every aspect of learning and education. Now, many students are pivoting to online education rather than the traditional schooling system. The main reason is that they find it more convenient and easy to navigate. Today’s Gen Zs are also pro at handling gadgets, so online exams spaces are beneficial for them.

But, many students are against the online exams and education system for many reasons. They do not find it productive or have difficulty concentrating on their studies at home.

Here, we have collected a list of potential pros and cons of online exams. You can assess your interests and analyze what is suitable for you.

Pros of Online Exams:

Following is the extensive list of online exams that students find productive. Therefore, they largely support online education and examination systems.

High levels of accuracy

Online exams seem to have high accuracy. The automated system that works on meritocracy makes it easier to perform better. law Students assignment helper know that professors and teachers assess their tests on merit. Therefore, they rely on internet-based systems more than traditional exams.
Cost-effective

Online exams are way cheaper than traditional ones. In traditional exams, we use lots of paper and ink, which adds to the cost. Also, there’s the extra expense of electricity and utilities. That’s why many students prefer taking exams at home using their devices.

Less chances of cheating

In online examinations, since the system is fully automated, it is not easy for the students to cheat. There are many online tools and detectors that professors and instructors can use to counter the cheating trend in exams.

Reducing these malpractices enhances transparency in exams. Plus, it makes the ranking system much more efficient.

Quick

Online exams do not require small talk with other people. Plus, it does not require the students to commute from their homes. So, in a broader perspective, it saves precious time and energy. The questions are quick to answer. On the other hand, teachers can quickly assess the test and mark them. So, it is a win-win for both sides in terms of saving time and effort.

Less paper usage

Trees are gaining more focus than ever due to the increasing climate change phenomenon. Now, many organizations and institutes are cutting down on the consumption of paper because it affects the trees.

The use of gadgets and computers is growing everywhere. One big reason is that they reduce the need for paper. Teachers don’t have to deal with stacks of paper when grading exams. In the long run, using paper is tiring, costly, and less efficient for both students and teachers.

Easy to analyze students’ performance

Teachers can easily judge the students’ performance and communicate with them any time they want. Guiding students on their mistakes and advising them on improvements becomes much easier.

It takes less time and effort to review and assess tons of papers. So, many teachers and students love the idea of online exams.
Easy to operate

It has become easier for both students and their professors to operate the gadgets. Since many of them are already tech-savvy, learning any new software is not a hassle. Even if their school or university set up a new portal or something, they can adapt easily.
Moreover, with time, the tech is getting much more advanced. And the students’ learning ability makes it easier to keep up with the latest progress on the internet.
Highly accessible

In an online examination setting, the students and professors can easily access any resource they want. Plus, you can do the work from anywhere. And it gives a sense of freedom.

Plus, teachers can make the tests and schedule them for the next few days. On the other hand, students can easily set an alarm or notification for the test when it starts. If teachers have prioritized questions, students can easily see them and perform the exam accordingly.

From the preparation viewpoint, students can get online resources to practice their craft. For example, they can hire UK assignment writing services to assist them in writing essays and assignments.

Hassle-free assessment

Since teachers can work remotely, they can assess the papers or tests from anywhere, anytime. They do not have to go through entire piles of papers and arrange them. It makes the entire process easy and seamless for everyone.

If the test is short or has multiple-choice questions, it becomes easier to assess the exams. Teachers can use the latest software to assess long-format essays and articles. Many online checkers, detectors, and examination assessment tools can benefit examiners. They take the burden off the professors’ shoulders seamlessly.

Reduced bias

There are much less cases of fraud and wrong assessment in online exams. This is because the online checking and assessment system makes the process transparent. Moreover, there is much inertia in influencing teachers as well. So, if any student tries to bribe the examiner, he or she will not find it easy.

On the side of professors, they sometimes do not have the names of the students on the tests. Everything is numbered. So, it reduces the chances of biases and favoritism on their side as well.

Cons of Online Exams:

On the other side of the coin, there are many disadvantages as well. These are some causes why students consider the internet-based education system unproductive.

Rely on the Internet and electrical supply Since it is all online, you can not perform anything without an internet connection. Any untimed interruption in the internet can cause disruption and problems in attempting exams. Moreover, any power shortage or shutdown can potentially cause you to lose your grades.

Your devices must be fully functioning when you are having online exams. You have to ensure that the devices have ample free space. Plus, you will need to install relevant apps, software, and tools to ensure maximum transparency.

Technical assistance

If any student or teacher is not savvy in handling the devices, they would need some assistance. In some cases, getting technical help is not possible. And it makes it tough for them to get their work done.
Must be tech-savvy

It is a no-brainer that professors and students must be tech-savvy if they conduct online exams. They must have knowledge about how to solve any issue that might occur during the test. They should know how the tools are used so that they can avoid unnecessary waste of time.

Less in-person interaction

Another major con that is the most prominent in any online education system is that it somehow limits human interaction. You can connect via video link anytime, but it still lacks the genuine human vibe.

This less human-to-human connection can cause a range of issues among peers, students, and teachers. For example, lack of trust, motivation, friendship, and increased stress.

Hinders growth in communication skills

When students do not actively go out and communicate with people by themselves, it makes them more anxious. The lack of communication skills can hinder their professional growth as well. Not being able to gel in with others can badly damage their personality.

There are still some chances of cheating and plagiarising
Although many tools and software exist to counter cheating, there is room for malpractice. Students may be tempted to use unauthorized resources or collaborate with others. Especially if they believe they can do so without detection.

Lack of work-life balance

Online work and studies are tough to manage with home responsibilities. It may seem that online studies or online exams do not take up time. But, in reality, there is a very thin line between home and work.

You will need to dedicate time in the day to take up any classes and exams. Plus, you will need to carve out your own personal time to study yourself. Hence, there are more efforts that go into creating work-life balance in online studies.

Less control over students

If you are a professor who believes in controlling and micromanaging students, the online examination is not your thing. No matter what system you use, you do not reach a high level of control in an online setting.

Increased anxiety and stress

If you cannot operate without your peers working around you, online examination is not feasible for you. More screen time and less human touch can cause anxiety and stress. It can take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being.

Moreover, if you are not a tech-savvy person, any malfunction can also be a source of anxiety. So, you will not be productive overall.
Limitations in the type of questions that can be asked
It gets difficult to ask Certain question formats. Such as complex math problems or hands-on practical assessments. They can be challenging to replicate effectively in an online format.

Conclusion

Like every other concept, online examination has its own pros and cons. Some students find it ideal to attend exams in the comfort of their homes. While others crave genuine human connection.