Exams are becoming more accessible, safe, and entertaining through educational technology, which is changing education. Institutions are improving the exam experience by providing a variety of modalities, utilizing Learning Management Systems (LMS), and employing interactive questions and ethical AI content. 

The way we approach education and exams has changed dramatically in the last several years. Exam accessibility has increased due to the integration of education technology, which has also improved the quality of education at an entire institution. Educational institutions have provided various course and exam modalities in response to the changing environment. These forms come in hybrid, online, and in-person versions. This flexibility allows students to choose the format that best aligns with their needs and learning style. These advancements in technology have made exams more accessible and positively impacted the overall educational experience. Institutions can leverage LMS platforms to improve the exam experience. 

Leveraging Learning Management Systems (LMS) for the Overall Exam Experience 

LMS platforms provide a flexible environment for designing exams that accommodate diverse learning needs. Teachers can create assessments ranging from multiple-choice questions to essay formats, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of student’s understanding. Moreover, the accessibility features inherent in LMS platforms ensure that exams can be accessed and completed remotely, promoting inclusivity, and enabling students to take assessments regardless of their location or circumstances.  

LMS platforms allow for the integration of multimedia elements into exams. Teachers can incorporate videos, audio clips, images, and interactive content, using Kaltura and H5P, to create more engaging and comprehensive assessments (Thakare, 2017). This integration of diverse resources not only enhances the exam experience but also caters to varied learning styles, enriching the overall learning journey. 

The adaptive nature of LMS platforms enables personalized assessments tailored to individual student progress. Through features like branching logic and adaptive quizzing, exams can dynamically adjust difficulty levels based on student’s responses, offering a more customized evaluation. 

By leveraging the capabilities of LMS platforms, educational institutions can redefine the exam experience. These digital ecosystems offer a transformative approach to assessments, fostering adaptability, accessibility, and personalization. As institutions continue to harness the potential of these platforms, the exam landscape evolves, creating an environment where assessments become not just evaluative tools but opportunities for enriched and engaged learning experiences. 

 Creating an Engaging Exam Experience

Authentic evaluations require students to acquire abilities like problem-solving and creative thinking, which go beyond typical tests. They provide students with several options for showcasing their knowledge. These assessments can include different applications, techniques, and tools. 

• Using Varied Applications: Computer software allows students to gain real-world experience. For instance, accounting students can use Microsoft Excel to produce a balance sheet. Virtual presentations provide students with the ability to simulate real-world situations. For instance, business students can make a sales proposal using Zoom or Kaltura. Written assignments have students write essays using standard pen and paper or using digital resources. 
• Using Different Techniques: Assessments have undergone a revolution because of interactive questions, which let students show their understanding in a variety of ways. For example, within Kaltura video-based exam questions, answers can be used to make the evaluation process more interesting and real. Kaltura also has the option of incorporating hotspots into a video exam for further student engagement.  
• Using Third-Party Tools: More dynamic methods of evaluating student’s knowledge are provided by third-party programs, which also give a variety of possibilities for designing interesting exam experiences. The university has partnerships with various textbook companies (Cengage, Pearson, Wiley, etc.) that are integrated into D2L. This integration allows faculty to access composition exam materials and students access to exam aids. 
• AI Generated Exam content:  Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has created new opportunities successful successfully designing dynamic, interesting, and effective exam experiences. Teachers are using AI tools more often to create exam questions that are not only multiple-choice. Artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools can produce case studies, problem-solving scenarios, and simulations that replicate real-world situations (Keith, 2023).  Through these types of exam questions/prompts, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge in real-world situations through this immersive method of assessment.  By doing so, students can deepen their understanding and develop their critical thinking abilities for the subject matter.

Other (Non-Technological) Ways to Improve the Exam Experience 

For students to succeed, it is imperative that they are adequately prepared for online assessments. Here are some crucial things to remember: 

• Reduce Anxiety: Students who study well usually experience less anxiety during tests. This can be facilitated by having a clear understanding of the examination procedure and expectations.
• Clear Expectations: Reducing ambiguity during online exams can be accomplished by being open and honest with students about what to expect.
• Practice Exams: Providing practice exams helps students get comfortable with the testing environment, which lowers anxiety and makes for a more seamless exam experience. 

The exam experience has been transformed by educational technology, which has increased its effectiveness, accessibility, and engagement. Through the use of AI-generated content, LMS platforms, and interactive question types, teachers may design exams that accommodate a variety of learning styles and foster a deeper comprehension of the subject matter. Exams will transform from being merely tools for evaluation into chances for students to demonstrate their knowledge and acquire critical skills necessary for success in a world that is changing at a rapid pace if educational institutions continue to adopt these technological developments. 

If you are interesting in how to best leverage AI to create content for exams or any learning content, please let us know.  We can provide you with strategies for proper use, the best way to address it with your students, or even what to expect.  The SCSU Online and Distance Learning team can get you started, just reach out to us via email or through Bookings. 

Additional Reading:

For more information on any of the following topics, please check out our previous blog articles.

• Engaging Learners in the eLearning Classroom
• Videos in the Course: Enhancing Learning With Multimedia

 

References: 

Anderson, T. (2008). Teaching in an online learning context. The Theory and Practice of Online Learning (2nd ed.) (pp.484). Athabasca University Press. https://doi.org/10.15215/aupress/9781897425084.01 

Kampus Production. (2020) Serious young woman with diverse groupmates working on laptops in library [Photograph]. Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/serious-young-woman-with-diverse-groupmates-working-on-laptops-in-library-5940712/ 

Keith, T. (2023, January 23). Combating academic dishonesty, part 6: CHATGPT, AI, and academic integrity. Academic Technology Solutions. https://academictech.uchicago.edu/2023/01/23/combating-academic-dishonesty-part-6-chatgpt-ai-and-academic-integrity/ 

Sarker, M. N. I., Wu, M., Qian, C., Alam, G. M., & Li, D. (2019). Leveraging digital technology for better learning and education: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 9, 453-461. doi:10.18178/ijiet.2019.9.7.1246. 

Thakare, R. (2017). 10 things you need to know when choosing a learning management system. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/10-things-need-know-choosing-learning-management-system 

Alekhya Jonnagaddala, is a Graduate Assistant at the Online and Distance Learning Department at Saint Cloud State University. She is pursuing a master’s in information assurance (MSIA). She has worked in the IT industry for 2 years as a Software Engineer and spends her leisure time cooking.