With the development of technology and the spread of the internet, significant changes are taking place in education. One of these changes is that exams are held online. Online exams offer many advantages over traditional exam methods. So, can universities take online exams? In this article, we will examine the answer to this question and the advantages and disadvantages of online exams.
Authorization of Universities to Conduct Online Exams:
According to the “Regulation on Distance Education and Open Education Practices in Higher Education Institutions” published by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in 2020, universities can conduct online exams with the approval of their senates. According to this regulation, online exams can be held in the following cases:
In compulsory or elective courses
in midterms
In budget exams
In re-exams
However, some types of exams, such as thesis exams, field exams and foreign language proficiency exams, still need to be held face-to-face.
Advantages of Online Exams:
Saving time and space: Online exams do not require students to spend time traveling to the exam venue. In this way, students can take the exams from their homes or anywhere else.
Broader access: Online exams are more accessible to students who have difficulty taking traditional exams, such as students with disabilities and students living abroad.
Faster assessment: Online exams can be assessed quickly using automated assessment systems. In this way, students can learn their grades in a shorter time.
Lower cost: Online exams reduce the cost of materials used in traditional exams, such as paper, pencils, and the exam hall.
More question types: Online exams can include more question types, such as open-ended questions, video questions, and audio questions, as well as multiple choice questions.
Disadvantages of Online Exams:
Risk of cheating: The risk of cheating is higher in online exams. To minimize this risk, universities can take different measures. For example, they may require students to keep their webcams on during the exam or assign proctors to the exams.
Technical glitches: Online exams may experience technical glitches such as internet connection or computer problems. In such cases, the exam may need to be repeated.
Need for digital skills: To appear for online exams, students must have a certain level of digital skills. Students who do not have these skills may have difficulty in exams.
Risk of inequality: Not all students may have access to an internet connection and a computer. This may introduce the risk of inequality.
