Paper-based exams have been here since ages to protect academic integrity of various kinds. Computer-based examinations started long ago but witnessed a sharp surge during the pandemic. Institutions and students were relieved mainly because of its continuity to education delivery and assessments. However, when the situation started returning to normal after COVID, the academic community contemplated whether to shift to computer-based tests or keep using the traditional way.
What is Computer Based Testing?
Computer-based testing is when digital instruments like computers, laptops, or tablets act as a platform to conduct an assessment or a test instead of the traditional paper-based method is known as computer-based testing.
Let us dig deeper and dissect the subject of web-based test programs and understand the finer aspects. At the end of this article, the reader will likely get better clarity regarding the decision of PC-based testing-to-computer-based transition for exams. A clear direction for How to prepare for the CBT exam? It will be given here.
• Choose the Best Suitable Testing Software
A fundamental requirement of transitioning from Paper-Based Testing to computer-based examinations is onboarding smart and scalable testing software. If institutes adopt an LMS, then an inbuilt CBT exam platform does come along. However, for traditional courses, they can choose to use just the testing software that supports computer-based exams. The testing software should be scalable to help more students, economical, technologically robust, and easy to use. Especially institutes using the testing software for the first time must use a user-friendly interface and powerful technology.
• Do Not Miss Using Online Proctoring
Indeed computer-based testing (CBT) is challenging for institutes, and the physical presence of the invigilators is a crucial factor that safeguards the integrity of the exams. However, in computer-based tests also, the same level of security is possible. Intelligent remote proctoring software like Proctortrack uses AI and advanced features to make the online proctoring process smooth and secure. Institutes and students can both expect a seamless exam experience and a fair and equal computer-based assessment process.
• Maintain Standard Format
Maintaining the standard format is vital while planning the transition from Paper-Based Testing to computer-based exams, as students are already familiar with a particular form and structure of exams. Hence, computer-based exams should also be present in a similar format. Students may resist this change if the institution fails to maintain consistency in its structure in its web-based examination platform. Therefore to get optimum cooperation and the least resistance from all the stakeholders, an intelligent remote proctoring software like Proctortrack is wise.
• Manage the Highest Possible Cyber-Security
One critical aspect of moving towards computer-based exams is that institutions must use best-in-class cyber security mechanisms to prevent external threats as soon as academic information is out on the internet, especially crucial details such as computer-based assessment credentials; the threat of malicious malware and hacking attacks increases. A strong and updated cybersecurity system can add credibility and ease to how an institution manages its exams.
• Train Your Resources Multiple Times
When an institution decides to move from Paper-Based Assessment to computer-based testing (CBT), massive resistance comes from its teachers and administrators. The fear of an unknown online CBT exam system is powerful enough to demotivate the workforce. Hence, the management needs to arrange reoccurring training for the staff members, and multiple mock sessions will help the teacher gain confidence to conduct the actual ones. Also, mock sessions help identify technical or procedural glitches early on for rectification.
• Provide a Clear Instruction Manual to Students and Teachers in Advance
A standard operating procedure must be available for the teachers, administrators, and students well in advance for the online CBT platform. Every step required for the computer-based test should have illustrations with screen images to help understand the stakeholders quickly. Providing an elaborative user manual for online exam software in advance can lessen the institution’s burden during the exams. Stakeholders will have fewer questions and issues during the examination duration. General observation suggests that most queries come from inexperience in using a system. If a detailed user manual is available for the users, the chances of them getting stuck are rare in computer-based assessment software.
What are The Advantages of Computer-Based Tests?
A computer-based test has many advantages for students as well as institutions. Here is a list of the most prominent ones for your reference.
- Comfort and Convenience
- Scalable
- Economical
- Option of Having Dynamic and Unique Tests
- Data and Information Standardization and Accuracy
Summing Up: Embrace Technology
Except for a few trivial challenges, computer-based tests have many benefits. Institutes can scale up to an exponential level and reach out to students beyond the brick-and-mortar structure using the CBT exam platform or online exam software in India like Proctortrack. The constraint of timings and time zones is manageable using the online method of exams. On the other hand, students can appear for the exams and take various courses by defeating geographical constraints. Hence, any institute in a region with decent internet connectivity should embrace this technological facility and create a paperless exam structure. Online test programming in India is booming, and smarter institutes are already shifting swiftly to align with international educational standards.
