After COVID-19, taking online exams is just like a casual task for students. This pandemic has underlined the importance and effectiveness of online learning. Online exam takers can now efficiently take exams from the comfort of their homes by using their computers and web cameras. However, online exams come with their type of challenges and benefits for the students. Is this your first time taking an online exam or do you want to improve? This blog will highlight some of the important and key points for taking an online exam. So read this guide till the end and make sure to understand all the points. Don’t worry I’ll be sharing very easy, simple, and effective tips.
Tip # 1: Reduce distractions
Start by finding a quiet place with minimal distractions to ensure the best outcomes. It’s best to tell everyone in the house about your online exam schedule in advance. This will help them to make alternative arrangements and plan their day to avoid interruptions. Also, it’s helpful to clear out your space and clean it because it may lead to decision fatigue. Moreover, try out working in the quietest part of the day if using a communal place, or else you will be in a situation asking if can someone help me for online exam. In addition, if you have no other option than working in a shared space, make sure to wear earphones to cancel background noise.
Tip # 2: Try a mock paper under your exam’s guidelines
Once you have prepared well for your online exam and have some time left, it’s best to try a mock test that has the same exam conditions as yours. Ask your professor if you can take a mock test from the online software that you will be using to give the real test. You may also create your own exam conditions and use your study space to see if everything works well together. Moreover, this way you can also check if your space has a good and strong internet connection.
Tip # 3: Carry out software checks on the day
The big day is here? Make sure to check your software at least before 30 minutes to ensure that it’s working properly. Moreover, you might have to go through some pre-exam checks depending on the software you are using. These can include your ID card info or scanning your surroundings via webcam to make sure that there’s no use of cheats or revision notes. Ensure that your internet, camera, and microphone are working properly because many portals use these to check if a student is cheating. Thus, if your internet keeps disconnecting or your microphone is not working properly, you may seem like a suspicious user.
Tip # 4: Figure out who to contact in case of a technical problem
You may think that nothing will go wrong once you have checked everything. But wait! There are high chances that any technical issue may arise. Don’t panic! You can ask your professor or connect with professional exam takers to provide some contact details of a person who knows how to fix such issues. Once you have their number, save it so you can immediately contact them as soon as the problem comes up. They can either fix the issue or ask the invigilator to pause your exam till the issue is resolved.
Tip # 5: Keep track of the time
Yes, it may not feel like a normal exam, however, it’s important to treat it like one. Once you are sitting in your online exam, make sure to go through all the questions first to have an idea of what kind of questions are asked in it. This way, you will know what’s coming for you and help you prepare the answers to them. Unlike a traditional exam setup, there won’t be any huge clock or an invigilator roaming around the room reminding the remaining time. Thus, make sure that you keep track of the time and divide your paper into different parts for ease. It’s best to have a watch and give equal time to each question.
Conclusion
Online exams can make or break your academic grades. Thus, it’s essential to understand some of the major tips that can help you take an online exam. Whether it’s reducing distractions, trying a mock test, keeping track of time, etc, an online exam requires time and effort. Hence, ensure to follow this guide before taking an online exam so you can dodge all the potential issues coming your way!