Examinations are rarely a student’s favourite aspect of obtaining a grade in a college or school. For some, it causes significant anxiety, whether during preparation or during the exam itself. You’d think that the anxiety level would be lower with online classes.
However, online examinations might cause major problems for students. For many medical aspirants, the biggest obstacle is not comprehending the rules and restrictions of the test-taking procedures. When the time comes for the NEET examination, students may find themselves unprepared and unsure of how to begin.
The key to good test-taking is being well-organized. Don’t hold up reading the instructions until the last minute. Instead, study ahead of time, and then study some more to ensure that you thoroughly understand the topic on which you will be assessed. However, read the directions attentively and ahead of schedule.
In general, all a student need to do is revise and show up at the exam hall at the right time to take tests. However, extra planning is required because most tests are now conducted online. Whether this is your first time taking an online examination, or you simply want to make sure you’re more prepared this time, we’ve got you covered.
12 Essential Tips for Taking Online Exams
The teacher should send out emails or messages via the exam module that explains everything entirely. If you don’t understand something, contact the teacher and ask for an explanation.
Online tests may be a new or unfamiliar style of assessment for students. Therefore, we have created this step-by-step guide to assist students in properly planning, revising, and preparing for online exams.
Before the online exam:
- Read and understand the exam instructions
Make certain you can answer the following questions: Will the exam be held on a specified day and time, or can you take it over a specific time? How much time do you have to finish the test? Can you take the exam at home, or must you go to a certain site (for example, a university computer lab)?
- Go through your course materials and take the mock test!
Even though the exam is an “open book,” you should still prepare and review as if you were taking it in a classroom. When taking regular in-person examinations, there is generally the option to practise with a sample paper prior to acquiring a feel for the exam procedure. Make exam conditions for yourself and test them out in your dedicated study place to determine whether they work for you. Also, ensure that your workspace has a strong internet connection, that you can concentrate, and, most importantly, that you can simply use the test programme.
- Make exam environment fruitful
Every student’s situation is unique, which might be tough if you live with several individuals who work or study from home. Ideally, any calm or isolated area would serve well. You’ll need an even surface to work on if you don’t have a table or desk. Use everything you can find, from garden furniture to cupboards or even piled crates, to create a steady working platform. If you must work in a communal location, use headphones and respectfully request that others do the same to minimise excessive noise.
- Check your computer
Nothing is more disappointing than going on your computer to take a pre-scheduled exam and realising that your device isn’t working or that you have an access issue. Check your PC as thoroughly before the exam. Check that it is operational and that your Wi-Fi connection is active. Allow yourself enough time to grab another computer or travel to a different Wi-Fi access point if necessary.
- Inform your family or roommates about your exam and study schedule
Let everybody in the house know well in advance when you will be taking tests. It will give them enough time to make alternate plans and will limit inconveniences on the day. If you are studying in a shared area of the house, attempt to figure out when the ideal time of day is. Wear earplugs or listen to music on your headphones if you frequently work in a shared place to filter out irritating background noises.
- Find a suitable location for the exam
Check that all distractions have been switched off, including the TV, phone, social media, and any notifications. Get the children and pets situated in advance, or locate someone to look after them so you can concentrate on the exam well. Gather everything you’ll need, such as books, notebooks, pens, or pencils, to solve mathematics problems or write down notes.
During the online exam
- Keep an eye on the time
Even though it may not feel like an actual examination, it is essential to treat it as such. When it comes to taking the exam, scroll through the pages to read over all the questions before beginning. It will help you anticipate what is coming up so that your brain can begin developing answers as you proceed. In a standard exam, you would be reminded of the time by a giant clock or an invigilator. Don’t forget to check the clock frequently and keep track of the time. Set the alarm to tell you when you have a limited time (e.g., 10 minutes) left in your testing session.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
We’re all well aware that one of the most significant advantages of taking online examinations is the ability to show up in your comfortable clothes. Keep in mind that you are not permitted to leave the room throughout the exam, so dress comfortably and warmly for the exam duration.
Read the test guidelines ahead of time since there may be items you are not permitted to wear, just as there may be items you are not permitted to wear during in-person exams. It might range from watches to hooded sweatshirts.
- If there is a technical fault, Don’t freak out!
Even after all the tests and practise runs, things might still go wrong on exam day. But don’t be alarmed! If you run into technical difficulties, your teacher should supply you with the contact information of someone who can assist you. However, contact your teacher as soon as possible, outlining the specific situation that happened as well as any error notifications you may have received. It would also be beneficial if you could capture a screenshot.
Save this person’s phone number so you may immediately contact them if necessary. They can notify the invigilator, and your test will be halted until the problem is resolved, or you may be given more time.
- Before submitting your work, double-check it
Check that each answer is complete and displays as you meant. Examine the precision of your answers, as well as your punctuation and grammar. Click on the submit button. You are only required to click once, but if you run into trouble. If you are still having trouble submitting the exam, please notify your teacher as soon as possible and email your intended answers in an attached document.
After taking the online Exam
- Evaluate your performance
Consider finding the answers to these questions – How do you think you performed? What were the most baffling questions for you? Was there anything you had to leave out? Then, return to your notes and readings to see if you can discover solutions to the problems that have stumped you.
- Examine your grade
You can find out your grade right away in most cases. On the other hand, exams containing written responses will take longer for your instructor to grade, so leave some time to find out your result. Did your study methods work? Did your strategy to take the online test work out? Make a note of your findings and keep them in mind for the next time you take an exam.
Conclusion
COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on all elements of our lives, including our academics, courses, and assessments. Technology has forced us to abandon traditional techniques such as pen and paper in favour of online assessments. Furthermore, there was the possibility of human mistakes in a traditional test pattern. However, the danger of inaccuracy in online exams is negligible. Throughout the years, many educational institutions, recruiting or competitive test boards, and the business sector have begun to administer online exams using an online examination administration system.
The online testing platform has elements to assist educators and students in streamlining the examination process. It facilitates and accelerates the examination procedure. If you want to benefit from technology, you must have a safe online test procedure.
