The expansion of online testing and distance learning will more
strongly support educational equity. Modern technology makes it possible to
offer users a range of examination services and advance educational equity in
many ways. In this blog, we have discussed certain ways of making online exams accessible for all.
What is meant by accessibility in online
exams?
It entails being aware of and avoiding
any social, physical, financial, and mental obstacles that test-takers might
face. This can involve modifications like giving extra time, permitting
assistive technology use, offering different formats for online exams, and
making sure the exam system or website is suitable for interpreters and other
accessible tools. It is crucial to design accessible online tests so that every
learner, irrespective of their accessibility requirements, can have a fair
chance at showing their expertise and skills. Simply put, accessibility in
online testing guarantees an easy exam.
Importance of making online exams
accessible
·
Accessible
online exams are designed to make sure that students taking online tests who
have disabilities are not at a disadvantage.
·
Online
exams that are accessible in nature guarantee that all students have an
equitable learning experience.
·
Equal
accessibility in online exams promotes inclusivity and diversity in online
exams for all students with different learning experiences.
·
This
process represents fairness and integrity in online assessments.
Technical Fixes to make online exams
more accessible
A. Input
Proper colour contrast
All online exam content should use
appropriate colour contrast, and increase the readability and comprehension of
text for students who have colour or vision problems. Students can more
efficiently traverse the exam by distinguishing between different sections,
such as questions, answers, and instructions, which makes it easy to see the
text colour against the background colour.
B. Captions
are necessary
Captions provide a concise learning
experience for students, especially students with impairments. Caption or
subtitles in educational audio or video increases information absorption in
students. For example, provide image alternate text in your online exam
questionnaires.
C. Adjusting
fonts and texts in online exam
Reading comprehension for all students
is further enhanced by selecting plain, readable fonts ( maximum 12 sizes) and
script styles (Ariel,
calibre). Furthermore, allowing adequate space between lines and
paragraphs prevents visual clutter and makes it simpler to navigate the exam.
These changes make online assessments more inclusive, more flexible, and more
reliable.
D. Align
exams content with the purpose
Gone are those days when Tricky
questions or multiple-choice questions were believed to fit every assessment.
Ensure that students are evaluated on
the pertinent topics and are not put at a disadvantage by superfluous
complexity or irrelevant material. Online exam format, structure, and level of
difficulty should also be determined by this process.
E. Develop
unambiguous (Isomorphic) questions
In framing the questions, keep them
straight and divide the questions into pages, sections, or any other
appropriate divisions. If online tests contain a lot of inquiries, this makes the
participants less perplexed.
Unambiguous question: what are the
environmental impacts of deforestation in tropical rainforests?
Simple question pattern: what are the
impacts of deforestation in tropical rainforests?
F. Involve
students with diverse abilities in the website evaluation process
Institutions can gain insight into
potential challenges by incorporating students with different abilities, into
the testing process. Through this iterative feedback loop, the exam design is
continuously improved and accessibility features are usable and effective for
all students.
G. Address
website compatibility issues
Educational institutes must analyse and
address website issues before conducting online exams.
Students should easily access the online
test platform through a variety of gadgets, operating systems and browsers.
Collaborate with educational experts as
they are aware of accessibility guidelines, best practices, online exam instructions and assistive
technologies.
H. Compliance
with accessibility law
Educational institutions can make sure
that their tests adhere to accepted accessibility standards like the Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by working with specialists. In
addition to ensuring that students with impairments have equal access to the
tests, this collaboration aids institutions in avoiding moral and legal
dilemmas.
Alternative modes of making online exams
barrier-free
·
Access to educational resources for all
students
Students will benefit from
having access to resources like textbooks, videos, multimedia content, lecture
notes, practice tests, and supplemental materials. To ensure that educational
resources are accessible to all students, instructors and instructors can also
make use of universal design principles.
·
Fostering a learning exam environment
Creating an environment that supports,
Accessibility test-takers of all abilities can participate fully. This
entails giving students precise instructions and guidelines, fostering open
dialogue and teamwork, and letting them ask for help or clarification as
needed. providing assistance and resources to students in preparation for the
test
·
Ensuring reliable and secure online exam
delivery methods
Institutions that uphold the values of
justice, integrity, and equal opportunity for all students during online exams,
entail integrating plagiarism detection technologies, using secure exam
distribution techniques, and can confidently assess students' knowledge and
skills while offering a reliable and accessible exam environment for all
students.
Tools
for students to access online exams equally.
Exam Soft: a test
administration program that provides accessibility features to guarantee fair
access for all students taking online tests. Screen readers, text-to-speech,
and changeable font and colour make students' online exam experience even.
Microsoft
Office 365: Included in
these functions are built-in accessibility checks, image alt-text options,
closed captioning, and support for assistive technologies during online exams.
Blackboard
Ally: It automatically
examines online tests and course materials for accessibility concerns and offers
substitute accessible alternatives, such as audio, and electronic braille.
Additionally, it provides feedback from the instructor and pointers on how to
make the course materials more easily accessible.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, ensuring that online
tests are accessible is crucial for fostering a welcoming educational
atmosphere for all pupils. By addressing compatibility difficulties, building
user-friendly interfaces, offering access to educational materials, and
prohibiting cheating and academic dishonesty. Educational institutions can
provide a level playing field that encourages equal access to educational
opportunities and assessments for all.
Author Bio
This blog is written by Mark Edmonds.
Mark is a committed academic writer who has an eye for offering
pupils superior online exam help. Mark has years of expertise working in the
field of education, and during that time, he has assisted countless students at
all grades and in a wide range of subjects in passing their exams.
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