You can’t list the benefits of tech amid the ongoing global without mentioning the education sector.
Many learning institutions now do everything from student learning to assessments remotely, thanks to ground-breaking apps and software solutions.
The ability to learn and take tests from home has reduced anxiety and worries concerning continuity in learning amid school lockdowns and strict social-distancing regulations.
The Vital Role of Exam Tools in Ensuring Continuity in Learning
According to a Gallup Panel Survey held in March (in the heat of Coronavirus), 42 percent of parents panicked the global pandemic would affect their kids’ learning.
Still, 70% of parents at that time admitted that their children were in a remote learning program piloted by their school.
Even amid a pandemic, assessments have remained a vital part of the learning process. Institutions have shifted to examination software to meet different educational needs.
Beyond enabling the exam process, assessment software continues to offer quick results and feedback.
These tools have also encouraged educators to try relatively new examination practices, which may prove beneficial in the long run. For instance, an April survey dabbed EDUCAUSE Quickpoll shows nearly all institutions (77 percent) are changing their grading practices. Only 14 percent plan to retain their forgoing approach while another 9 percent plan to change their grading models.
The Impact of Exam Software on Education amid Coronavirus
The following are some of the impacts of exam software on learning during the ongoing global pandemic.
1. A New Approach to Assessments
The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired many transformations in education. By April, 3 in 10 institutions were considering comprehensive changes to their examinations.
While tests are popular, they are just one way to evaluate learning. Coronavirus and the availability of tech is prompting 31 percent of educational centers to try out more engaging knowledge and skill demonstrations.
And the changes cut across all levels of education. Some common newly adopted methods include;
- Using multiple exam methods
- Essays
- The use of simulators
- Videos
- Podcasts
All these wouldn’t be possible without online examination software and other accompanying software.
2. Weighing the True Capability of Education technologies
Whether via virtual tutoring, language-learning apps, Online proctoring tools, or exam management software, the world has seen a notable increase in educational tech usage amid COVID-19.
This rapid adoption has helped expose disconnects or deficiencies in online learning and assessment technologies.
For instance, many institutions reported problems with their remote proctoring approach and technologies. This table from EDUCAUSE Quickpoll reveals concerns towards proctoring tools.
On the learners’ end, the pandemic revealed a partial preparedness to adopt a digital-led approach.
2017 stats bythe National Telecommunications and Information Administration show only 14.1 percent (around 3 million homes) with school-going kids have no at-home wired broadband connections.
While many possibly have a wireless subscription, such internet plans can’t support comprehensive online learning.
3. More Assessment Flexibility
Amid Corona, institutions have been forced to shift to a more flexible exam approach to accommodate all student needs.
This flexibility comes in the sense of;
- Student-centric exam schedules. Many institutions allow learners to sit a given exam within a given window. For instance, amid Corona, Microsoft allows candidates to take the Microsoft Certification Exam “all day, even late at night.” The company has proctors in strategic locations to cater for all time zones.
- Personalization of tests to suit different student needs. Tutors must now take a personal approach to coaching and assessing different learners based on their unique needs.
4. Speeding the Learning Cycle
Exam preparation and hosting capabilities, instant results, and a quick feedback cycle are some of the most desired Exam Software qualities amid COVID-19.
For many, these tools have sped up the learning process amid chaos by enabling multiple assessments with quick results, followed by feedback or discussions to bridge the knowledge gaps.
Institutions can now use many more assessment methods than before, shifting between the relevant types to increase learner engagement.
5. Exam Integrity
Though equally a friend and enemy of the people, proctoring has held the fort for many institutions amidst the pandemic.
While many consider these tools as the perfect remedy for exam irregularities, some view it as a pedagogy for the oppressed.
Still, EDUCAUSE Quickpoll revealedmore than 3/4 of education centers use online proctoring for exams amid Coronavirus.More than half, 54 percent, have implemented online proctoring services, while another 23 percent are taking steps to adopt.
Even though many of those who’ve implemented proctoring tools are worried about product effectiveness, all of them can admit they did so to ensure exam integrity.
Despite their shortcomings, proctoring services have ensured learning and assessments continue from home.
Final Words
Technology is one of the most effective weapons we’ve had against Coronavirus. Cutting across both sectors, innovations have enabled us to continue our lives even behind locked doors.
The education and training sectors, in particular, have benefited from online learning and examination solutions as well as other apps and solutions that enable remote interaction.
