The Online Closed-Book Timed Exam: What Could Go Wrong?
Closed-book, timed exam. This is the adrenaline booster of exams, whether you are writing online or in the classroom. I talked about open book online exams a couple of weeks ago, and about standard exams a couple of months ago. Most of those tips apply to the online closed-book exam, so what is left? What could go wrong?
Assuming that you have followed your study plan, what is left to trip you up can vary, depending on the exam delivery format.
These tips can be added to my earlier tips on writing open book online exams.
BEFORE THE EXAM
_____ This is closed book–how is this being monitored or proctored? Eye-tracking algorithms, for example, are not the friend of even the most honest student who glances around to gather their thoughts.
_____ What is being monitored on your computer? Should you make sure ALL other apps and desktop icons are closed? Does the monitoring end once you submit your exam?
_____ What materials are you allowed and not allowed to have with you? (Calculator? Formula sheet? Scrap paper?)
_____ What cues are legitimate? (Invisible finger ink is legit, but can be tricky with eye-tracking algorithms.)
_____ What will get you locked out of the exam? (Closing the exam window? Opening a new tab? Opening or visiting a new window?)
_____ Can you revisit a question once you have answered it?
_____ Can you review the whole exam before you begin?
_____ Can you switch to another tab or window once you have started the exam?
_____ Are there practice exams online of the same format as the exam you will be writing?
WRITING THE EXAM
_____ Once you start the exam, keep your eye on the clock.
_____ If you are not allowed to revisit a question once you have answered it, lift your eyes from the screen for a second BEFORE you submit your answer, take a breath and look at your answer for proofreading, or to make sure you checked the box you meant to–but keep your eye on the clock.
_____ If accessing the next question blocks you from the question you are on and you are uncertain about your answer, make a guess, take a breath, and go on, unless you know the questions are right minus wrong.
_____ Use your scrap paper to quickly (eye on the clock here) sketch outlines for essay questions.
_____ If you have an equipment failure and cannot get back into the exam, take screenshots with timestamps and get in touch with your instructor immediately.
_____ If you feel your anxiety level rising, use the emotion regulation techniques you have practiced, take the secure thought that is relevant for you, and continue.
Sometimes success is just completing the exam.
AFTER THE EXAM
_____ Make sure you get an acknowledgement that your exam has been received.
_____ Make note of any questions you were unsure of, or glitches in how you handled the exam. Put these notes away in your course folder for now.
_____ Check for your grade as soon as possible–mistakes are made particularly with new technology that instructors may not be familiar with.
_____ Congratulate yourself for writing the exam. Know you have taken another step, whether big or small or even one that needs to be reworked, in your academic career.
These are a few pointers to help what can go wrong from actually going wrong. Universities, colleges, schools, instructors, students–we are all learning about how to assess learning, how to best show what we have learned. Grades may take a hit–or not. Engage with your fellow on-line students about the process, engage with your instructors and departments.
And share your experience and tips as online learning evolves! [email protected]