Online tests have hit it big on ever since internet has taken over many fields of the world. E-learning and education has been revolutionized thanks to the ever-increasing reach of online classes, tutoring and testing. Not only is this way more convenient to a lot of organizations, but it also displays the progress and intense amount of possibilities there are in the world thanks to the tech and internet age. These tests have been around for a while now and they are being widely used for not just schools but also as aptitude tests, recruitment ones and even high-profile university exams.
Before delving into the finer details, it’s important to understand fully know why online tests are so preferred and deemed convenient by a large majority of the population. What kinds of changes have they brought forth if any at all? These include but are not limited to:
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Convenience
Online tests make it incredibly convenient for testers and the takers alike. It removes the constraints of a geographical barrier thereby saving takers a lot of time, money and resource by providing them the test in the comfort of their own spaces in their own localities.
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Fool-proof grading
When examiners correct answer sheets, the result are in some way or other, influenced by other forces. These include bias, human error or just misinterpretation of either what is asked or what is answered. Furthermore, humans tend to wear out and tire out, they don’t have the concentration and energy of a computer program that knows no human needs like thirst, hunger or sleep. Therefore, online examinations have made grading easier and more fool-proof.
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Reach
Online exams provide a far wider reach than any other exams due to its online nature. Because it does not require candidates to be present in one venue or location, the test can reach wider and more parts of the world or the nation. This encourages more candidates to participate thereby increasing the chances of finding new skillsets and talented individual who are willing to work for the opportunity.
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Economic
These online tests are incredibly economic. Gone are the days when a business has to spend hours and countless amounts of cash to fun and arrange appropriate test centers, proctors and security and such. Furthermore, they face tremendous losses if a required number of participants can’t or don’t show up. Adding more to the forest fire, the business is responsible for those who carry out the assessments well. Online tests can entirely prevent all of this because simply, it reaches those who can’t travel and secondly, it does not require tremendous expenses as the need for proctors and such are pretty much unnecessary.
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Shortlisting
These online tests make it easier to shortlist and pick up talents that are specifically required for your institution or agency. As programs can be coded to find the right talent based on set parameters, the entire process becomes incredibly easy and efficient and a lot of time, money and resources are saved. On top of this, the agency can pick up the most talented individuals of the lot as well.
With so many advantages, online tests have been in the attention of recruiters and many businesses looking to hire new talent as well. Specifically, when it comes to IT and software-oriented jobs, online tests are an excellent way to assess an individual’s capability and readiness for the job. Many assessments such as the SQLtest are now taken and given online because of the nature of the question paper and the general field it relates to.
Who are involved?
It is one of the key questions to ponder upon when talking about the topics of online testing. Who are associated with this method and how will they impact performances? Of course, the business, institution or agency is involved to some degree but at the bare bones of it there are only two parties- the examiners and the candidates who will be taking the exam online. For both, this article will drop a few helpful suggestions in the following parts.
Online Tests- The Candidate Side of Things
If it is a candidate’s first time of taking an online test, the first and foremost advice to have a good hard look at the terms, conditions, requirements and rules that need to be followed during the examination process. Make sure that the timings have been made clear and so are the technical and general rules of the test. Some online tests may ask students to submit papers and often there are some standards around this as well. The candidate must have done all preparations beforehand and should not be afraid of taking the test. At the same time, candidates should not be taking the test for granted since it is online and unconventional.
The Examiners Side
The examiners side of things, of course, has several tiny details that demands absolute attention as compared to the taker’s side. The examiner and the business/organizationare solely responsible for constructing the test-be it an exam or a recruitment test. Businesses have to rely on credible and reliable software. Make sure that all candidates are appropriately informed well in advance before the testing procedure begins.
Make sure all the ground rules are strictly applied and communicated with all the candidates. If, by chance, a candidate wishes to not agree to the rules, it is imperative that he or she be disqualified from the assessment to maintain the fairness of the event. Make sure that, not just the questions but the entire testing process is streamlined and well planned. Sound and smart administration is the key. If possible, make a separate and dedicated team for the same. This can help ease things out and level the playing field for everyone on the examiners end.
Conducting and taking an online exam-both-may sound daunting and intimidating at first but it is easy once it has been given a go- just make sure that preparations are always made.