Computer aided instruction and automated online examination

Online Examination Tests: Everything You Should Know About Online Exams (mettl.com)

Benefits of Conducting Online Examination Tests

Reduced Logistical Hassle

Online exams help overcome the challenge of setting up physical test centers, minimizing
resource requirements – time, cost of setting up, and the need for human proctors – speeding up
the examination process. In universities, online exams accelerate the entire admission process,
where applications can be screened with minimal resources. The idea of conducting semester
examinations and various assessments online lends ease and seamlessness to the entire process.
Accessibility to Remote Locations
Online exams have broken geographical barriers and enabled a wider reach and participation.
Global assessment solutions train universities and education sectors, enabling them to easily
conduct assessments. With only an internet connection and devices, the ability to conduct tests
lend incredible accessibility and reach to online exams.
Highly Scalable
Online exams can cater to a broad audience and easily manage vast content. Considering this
feature, educational institutions facing a paucity of time would find it extremely convenient to
conduct examinations with the least bandwidth wastage. Merely a computer with an active
connection and a webcam to take tests makes this possible.
Supports Multiple Question Types
Online exams range from MCQs, fill in the blanks, checkboxes to short answers, long answers
( that need to be evaluated by the teacher separately), coding simulators, case studies, etc. Online
examination platforms support a host of knowledge and application-based questions, enabling
examiners to prepare a questionnaire with multiple question types. 
Exhaustive Skill and Question Bank
Advanced online examination test platforms have an exhaustive library of competencies and sub-
competencies, carefully mapped to relevant questions. For ease of use, examiners can choose the
relevant skills they wish to test via the exam to frame the questionnaire. This saves examiners’
time and effort.
Auto-Graded Reports
The automated reports do away with manual correction and save notable working hours. A report
is a comprehensive approach to a candidate’s performance, with a question-wise and section-
wise summary of the attempt, time-taken and the difficulty level. Detailed reports are also useful
for students seeking career guidance. With the reports, they better understand their competencies.

How do Online Exams Work?

Online exams work in the following manner:

Step 1: The testing environment is set up, and the question sets are uploaded to the environment
by the test conductors. LMS integration occurs at this stage, and the results are configured.

Step 2: Bulk candidate data is uploaded onto the platform, time slots are selected, and the test-
takers are sent the test link and follow up emails.

Step 3: The test-takers use the link to login and attempt the test via three-step authentication.
The tests are usually recorded and can be proctored for high-stakes examinations via AI-based or
human proctors.
 Step 4: Once the user submits the test, it is auto-evaluated for a real-time report generation. The
results can be customized and shared in PDF or HTML formats.

Step 5: An in-depth analysis of the overall online examination test can be done in the form of
group-level analysis and can be customized as needed.

What to Consider in an Online Examination Test

Software
The first step is to find an online examination test software that best suits your needs. You can
explore different options available on the market.

Here’s a brief on the features of an online examination test software:

 It can be used to create some of the most engaging online exams. It lets you add images,
text, video, complex equations, etc. to the questionnaire.
 Its easy-to-use features help create credible tests within minutes.
 There is no dearth of question types to choose from: multiple-choice image questions,
multiple-choice test questions, audio-video questions, fill in the blanks, etc.
 The examination body can create a comprehensive question bank with a variety of
questions as part of online exams. Moreover, examiners can randomize problems to maintain the
uniqueness and relevance of the test’s content.  
 It also enables end-users to use tags for their question banks. They can create new tags
and assign the right tags to each question for analysis.
 Setting pass-fail rules for exams is also possible. For instance, the administration can set
the time limit and the number of attempts for each question. Moreover, candidates can be
allowed to review their answers before submitting them.
 Custom styling and personal branding create a lasting impression among examinees. So,
users can make the most of the white-labeling feature.

How are Online Exams Monitored?

Online exams are monitored via proctoring technology that can be classified into three
categories:

Live Online Proctoring

A live proctor invigilates test-taking candidates on an online platform for the test’s duration. A
proctor can immediately disable the test if a candidate cheats on the exam.

Recorded Proctoring

Candidates’ audio-visuals and screen-sharing feeds are recorded throughout the test. Proctors
review the recorded test, playback, fast-forward, and red flag suspicious activities using
annotations.
Automated Proctoring

The examinees’ audio-visuals and screen sharing feeds are also recorded during the test. A
system monitors the feeds using advanced audio-video analytics to detect suspicious activities.
Conclusion
Online examination tests are unquestionably turning into a medium of assessing candidates’
knowledge and aptitude. They provide flexibility to educational institutes to create, manage and
evaluate examinees effortlessly. With quick assessment and real-time report generation, results
can be declared immediately after the students have completed the test. Online examination tests
have revolutionized the education industry by automating manual, tedious and cumbersome
processes.

What is an examination?
An examination assesses candidates’ subject knowledge and understanding. The one taking the
exam is called a candidate or examinee. The person who evaluates the performance of candidates
is called an examiner. Exams are either available as an on-screen test, a written test or a practical
test. Activities that come within the purview of practical tests are driving, speaking other
languages, conducting science experiments and playing musical instruments, and more. On-
screen tests refer to the tests taken on a computer. A candidate is successful if they clear the
exams, and unsuccessful if they fail to clear them. There are also provisions for students to
reappear in exams if they were unsuccessful in the first attempt. Those clearing the exam may be
accorded with a certificate or diploma

How to prevent cheating in online exams?

Educational institutions install an online proctoring software that tracks candidates’ test activity
using their computer screens in an online exam. It utilizes the webcams to record every detail
and harnesses AI to analyze their activities. The online proctoring software data is used to
validate the examinee’s identity and maintain the testing environment’s integrity. Remote
proctoring ensures a controlled environment, where the candidates are under continual
surveillance, reducing their ability to cheat. Online proctored examination solves two purposes:
eradicates malpractices and reduces the need for many invigilators. The webcam monitors the
candidates continually, behavioral alerts notify the proctor of suspicious activities, web browsing
tolerance prevents them from switching screens, and a recorded video of the examination is
saved for future reference.
How can I do an online exam?

You can do an online exam by clicking on the test link sent by your university. You can select a
time slot as per your availability, given an option. You must keep your ID card ready for
authentication before beginning the test. Once your registration is approved, you can take your
online exam. The minimum upload speed required for:
Webcam proctored test: 512 kbps
Non-webcam test: 256 kbps
You can find the Internet speed on the following sites:
1. Bandwidthplace.com
2. www.speedtest.net

How do you write an online exam?

You can write an online exam using an online examination test platform that allows you to
seamlessly take your exam. You must follow the instructions such as clicking your image,
verifying it against an ID and OTP before beginning the test. The online exam occurs in a secure
environment. Therefore, you must close all the background websites or applications and enable
your webcam for proctoring. Please contact the support team for issues during the online exam.
CHECK OUR FAQ SECTION TO KNOW MORE

How Mercer| Mettl Can Help

Mercer | Mettl’s online examination test platform helps conduct high-stakes assessments on its
secure examination platform, preloaded with online proctoring features. The tool enables end-
users to manage the end-to-end online assessment process. From online registration, test creation
to center management, and real-time reporting, the entire process is centered on assisting clients
in conducting assessments with the utmost ease.
Candidate Authentication

Eliminate any impersonation risk using multi-factor authentication using OTP, Aadhar/biometric
or IP, followed by the ID authentication. It also involves facial recognition by taking the
candidates’ pictures and ID proof to avoid impersonation.

Safe Exam Browser

It prevents candidates from accessing the internet. Once enabled, this feature detects and ends the
test for the examinees who browse away from the test window and open multiple tabs on the
browser.
 AI and Human-based Proctoring

It enables monitoring of candidates’ behavior and actions for suspicious activities. With cheating
prediction abilities as high as 95%, our proctoring technologies combine the latest advances in
AI-based and remote live proctoring to eliminate the risk of cheating.

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Computer-Assisted Instruction and Reading | Reading Rockets

What is computer-assisted instruction?

"Computer-assisted instruction" (CAI) refers to instruction or remediation presented on a
computer. Many educational computer programs are available online and from computer stores
and textbook companies. They enhance teacher instruction in several ways.

Computer programs are interactive and can illustrate a concept through attractive animation,
sound, and demonstration. They allow students to progress at their own pace and work
individually or problem solve in a group. Computers provide immediate feedback, letting
students know whether their answer is correct. If the answer is not correct, the program shows
students how to correctly answer the question. Computers offer a different type of activity and a
change of pace from teacher-led or group instruction.

Computer-assisted instruction improves instruction for students with disabilities because

students receive immediate feedback and do not continue to practice the wrong skills.
Computers capture the students' attention because the programs are interactive and engage the
students' spirit of competitiveness to increase their scores. Also, computer-assisted instruction
moves at the students' pace and usually does not move ahead until they have mastered the skill.
Programs provide differentiated lessons to challenge students who are at risk, average, or
gifted.*

ow is CAI implemented?
Teachers should review the computer program or the online activity or game to understand the
context of the lessons and determine which ones fit the needs of their students and how they
may enhance instruction.
 Can this program supplement the lesson, give basic skills practice, or be used as an
educational reward for students?

 Is the material presented so that students will remain interested yet not lose valuable
instruction time trying to figure out how to operate the program? Does the program waste time
with too much animation?

 Is the program at the correct level for the class or the individual student?

Teachers should also review all Web sites and links immediately before directing students to
them. Web addresses and links frequently change and become inactive. Students might become
frustrated when links are no longer available.
Reading programs are beneficial to reading instruction because they allow students to learn at
their own pace; teach phonics with sound, student interaction, and immediate feedback; and
allow students to read animated books. Some programs read stories that students write on the
computer. Students may be scheduled for instructional or remedial time with the computer. The
computer program may also be a station in a classroom learning center or used as a reward for
positive behavior or work completion.

 Computer-Assisted Instruction
CAI is the use of specific software programs on computers in the
classroom.14 Frequently these programs are individualized or self-
paced in order to accommodate differences in student ability or speed.
CAI lends itself to evaluation using RCTs because access to software
can be offered at the student or classroom level. CAI frequently
targets a specific subject area that is tested before and after the
software is introduced. Kulik and Kulik (1991) and Liao
(1992) summarize the early education literature, which generally
suggests positive effects. The evidence from economic studies is
mixed and suggests that the characteristics of the intervention are
important. Studies in this area differ significantly in the extent to which
CAI is a substitute or a supplement to traditional instruction.
Interestingly, evidence of positive effects appears to be the strongest
in developing countries. This could be due to the fact that the
instruction that is being substituted for is not as of high quality in these
countries.15
Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)
Computer Assisted Instruction
Terminology
Use of computer in education is referred by many names such as
• Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)
• Computer Aided Instruction (CAI)
• Computer Assisted Learning (CAL)
• Computer Based Education (CBE)
• Computer Based Instruction (CBI)
• Computer Enriched Instruction (CEI)
• Computer Managed Instruction (CMI)
New Terminology
• Web Based Training
• Web Based Learning
• Web Based Instruction
Computer-based education (CBE) and computer-based instruction (CBI) are the broadest terms and
can refer to virtually any kind of computer use in educational settings. Computer-assisted instruction
(CAI) Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) is a narrower term and most often refers to drill-and-practice,
tutorial, or simulation activities. Computer-managed instruction (CMI) Computer-managed instruction
is an instructional strategy whereby the computer is used to provide learning objectives, learning
resources, record keeping, progress tracking, and assessment of learner performance. Computer
based tools and applications are used to assist the teacher or school administrator in the
management of the learner and instructional process.
Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)
A self-learning technique, usually offline/online, involving interaction of the student with programmed
instructional materials.

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional technique whereby a computer is

used to present the instructional material and monitor the learning that takes place.

CAI uses a combination of text, graphics, sound and video in enhancing the learning process. The
computer has many purposes in the classroom, and it can be utilized to help a student in all areas of
the curriculum.

CAI refers to the use of the computer as a tool to facilitate and improve instruction. CAI programs
use tutorials, drill and practice, simulation, and problem solving approaches to present topics, and
they test the student's understanding.

Typical CAI provides

1. text or multimedia content
2. multiple-choice questions
3. problems
4. immediate feedback
5. notes on incorrect responses
6. summarizes students' performance
7. exercises for practice
8. Worksheets and tests.

Types of Computer Assisted Instruction

1. Drill-and-practice Drill and practice provide opportunities or students to repeatedly practice the
skills that have previously been presented and that further practice is necessary for mastery.
2. Tutorial Tutorial activity includes both the presentation of information and its extension into
different forms of work, including drill and practice, games and simulation.
3. Games Game software often creates a contest to achieve the highest score and either beat
others or beat the computer.
4. Simulation Simulation software can provide an approximation of reality that does not require the
expense of real life or its risks.
5. Discovery Discovery approach provides a large database of information specific to a course or
content area and challenges the learner to analyze, compare, infer and evaluate based on their
explorations of the data.
6. Problem Solving This approach helps children develop specific problem solving skills and
strategies.

Advantages of CAI
• one-to-one interaction
• great motivator
• freedom to experiment with different options
• instantaneous response/immediate feedback to the answers elicited
• Self pacing - allow students to proceed at their own pace
• Helps teacher can devote more time to individual students
• Privacy helps the shy and slow learner to learns
• Individual attention
• learn more and more rapidly
• multimedia helps to understand difficult concepts through multi sensory approach
• self directed learning – students can decide when, where, and what to learn

Limitations of CAI

• may feel overwhelmed by the information and resources available

• over use of multimedia may divert the attention from the content
• learning becomes too mechanical
• non availability of good CAI packages
• lack of infrastructure

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