Exploring Fair and Effective Online Electronic Exam in place of In-Person Examinations during Remote Learning

Unlike most electronic exams, which may require webcam surveillance, this article describes online e-exams conducted remotely in a first year undergraduate course. Timed grading, large pool of questions and bonus components were used to ensure fairer assessment of individual competency. The use of a large pool of questions discouraged discussion amongst students. Timed grading and bonus components also provided incentives for students to stay focused in finishing their own questions, even without the use of webcam surveillance. This article describes and reflects on the implementation and learning points of such online assignments to substitute in-person, paper-based final exam from the students and instructors' perspectives.

I. Introduction

The use of modern digital technology as an educational tool, such as interactive whiteboards [1], gamification [2] and augmented reality [3], to promote student engagement and improve learning outcomes is frequently seen in the education sector. Data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technology have also been reported by educators to personalize learning [4], [5]. These technology-enabled teaching and learning tools have been noted to have brought about massive transformation in the education sector. Assessment methods, however, have not seen such digitalization. As reported by Hillier [6], traditional paper-based written examinations to assess students' understanding on the subject matter are still prevalent over electronic exams (e-exams) in higher education institutions.