Online exams: Choice of todays generation

India's first-ever comprehensive research report to understand the future of examinations the EDGE-ValueNotes report, `Examinations and the Role of Technology: Emerging Directions', was released at the EDGE 2010 conference by Dr. Arun Nigavekar, Former Chairman UGC and Dr. William G Harris, CEO of Association of Test Publishers (ATP), USA. This report, the first of its kind in India, endeavors to look at the issues with traditional paper-pencil examinations and the potential benefits of leveraging technology to deliver such exams. The report provides insights into the awareness, perception, readiness and experience of key stakeholders in Indian higher education with respect to technology solutions to assessment, primarily online examinations. The study was based on an exhaustive, countrywide survey of more than 75 key decision makers including vice chancellors, exam controllers, university registrars, academic experts, etc.

'It was heartening to note that decision makers are not only aware of the benefits of using technology for assessments, but they have also indicated positive intent with regards to implementation of online assessment,' says Dr Arun Nigavekar, Former Chairman, UGC and member MeritTrac Education Advisory Panel. The study also includes a student perception survey – covering 400 students across several Tier I, II & III cities, to understand how students feel about online exams. The survey indicates that students too are positively inclined towards online examinations, despite concerns being raised by skeptics on their behalf. Interestingly, the supposedly less technology-enabled students in the Tier III cities are the most positive about such exams. 'This report will help catalyze the change that is needed in examination processes. At MeritTrac, we have always strived to bring scalable technology for examinations and this will help us address the key concerns in a structured manner,' says Madan Padaki, CEO of MeritTrac. This report is an initiative by MeritTrac, in association with Excelsoft.