Supervised digital exams

Introduction

A superviesd digital written exam can be proctored either synchronously (e.g., "live" by one person) via video proctoring or asynchronously via automated proctoring software. In both variants, this is a complex examination format that requires those responsible for the examination to take a close look at the organizational and technical framework conditions.

Examination with asynchronous automated Supervision („Proctorio-Exam“)

The development of distance examinations at TUM is based on the funding project "Distance Examinations" from the "Funding Line 'Internationalization 2.0'" of the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Art. Within the framework of this project, possibilities for conducting distance examinations at the university were intensively investigated from 2018 to 2022, and providers and methods were analyzed. Due to the infrastructure already in place as a result of the project, the Technical University of Munich offered electronic distance examinations with Proctorio from summer semester 2020 through winter semester 2021/22 to support the examination process during the pandemic. However, as of summer semester 2022, the exam option "supervision with Proctorio" is no longer available. We have gained a lot of experience with this format over the last two years, which we will now evaluate and further develop.

 

Examination with synchronous human Supervision (“Zoom exam”)

In a Zoom exam, the Zoom software only provides the proctoring function. The exam itself takes place as an e-test on the Moodle exam platform.

Moodle E-Test + Zoom

In a Zoom-proctored Moodle e-test, the exam is created directly in Moodle and made available at the time of the exam. The preparation and conduction of the exam itself is very similar to the unsupervised Moodle e-test. However, in terms of organization it is important to ensure the identity of the exam taker (ID control). From a technical point of view, it should be noted that the student's computer cannot be secured in any way. This means that doing research on the internet at the same time, opening lecture notes, exchanges with other examination candidates or other persons via chat or the control of the student computer by another person etc. are possible for the students during the entire examination period. In the case of larger examination cohorts (approx. 50 participants or more), the effort required to organize and instruct the necessary invigilators also increases considerably. In terms of content, it should be noted that due to the lack of computer security, the exam should be designed as an open-book exam if possible, despite the proctored exam format. At the very least, however, ways to reduce cheating (mixing questions and answer alternatives, etc.) should be employed. In addition, because of the electronic supervision, students must always be offered an alternative to the remote exam in the lecture hall.
Since there are various legal and organizational regulations to consider, we provide this form of examination via a standardized Moodle template, in which, apart from the placeholders for the Zoom link as well as the "test" activity, further information for students and lecturers is included. Therefore, if you would like to conduct a Moodle e-test with Zoom proctoring, please send us a request for your exam course via the application form for new courses in Moodle.
Further options for conducting digital or digitally supported exams are also offered by TUMexam.