Online exams are often perceived as particularly stressful and intimidating by students. In addition to answering subject-specific questions and completing content-related tasks, the students have to deal with extracurricular challenges such as remote video monitoring and online proctoring of the exam. What happens if the Internet connection goes down? What aspects are taken into account by the human- or algorithm-based online proctoring of the exam? What actions might be considered as misconduct and attempted fraud? In this presentation, I will try to describe concepts for contemporary, authentic, and competency-oriented online exams that intrinsically work without remote online proctoring.

1. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Ethical aspects of online exams
How can online exams be less stressful and intimidating?
Dr.-Ing. Mathias Magdowski
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Institute of Medical Engineering
Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg
March 29, 2022
License: cb CC BY 4.0 (Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0)
Slides at: https://bit.ly/EthicAspects bzw.
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2. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Disclaimer
http://www.watson.ch/Digital/Schweiz/846879648-Warum-unsere-Schulen-NICHT-auf-Microsoft-%28oder-Apple%
29-setzen-sollten
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3. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Organizational matters
Slides:
yes
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4. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Organizational matters
Slides:
yes
Recording:
maybe
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5. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Organizational matters
Slides:
yes
Recording:
maybe
Questions:
afterward
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6. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Survey
Do you have comments or questions?
https://www.menti.com/123456
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7. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
How to deal with (online) exams?
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8. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
How to deal with (online) exams?
Source: janeb13 via Pixabay
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9. The “Problem”

10. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
What examiners are afraid of
Communication:
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11. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
What examiners are afraid of
Communication: Plagiarism:
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12. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
What examiners are afraid of
Communication: Plagiarism: Contract Cheating:
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13. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical sayings of examiners
▶ “One does not want to accuse the students of anything, but . . . ”.
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14. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical sayings of examiners
▶ “One does not want to accuse the students of anything, but . . . ”.
▶ “We had so many issues and problems with cheating in online exams.”
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15. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical sayings of examiners
▶ “One does not want to accuse the students of anything, but . . . ”.
▶ “We had so many issues and problems with cheating in online exams.”
▶ “I am so glad that we have exams in presence again.”
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16. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical sayings of examiners
▶ “One does not want to accuse the students of anything, but . . . ”.
▶ “We had so many issues and problems with cheating in online exams.”
▶ “I am so glad that we have exams in presence again.”
▶ “The students have copied my exam tasks, now they are ‘burned’.”
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17. The “Solution”

18. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Let’s proctor students from front to back
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19. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Let’s proctor students from front to back
Source: Mina Morkoç via Twitter
Source: Juerg Widrig, “Sicheres Prüfen im Fernunterricht mit
isTest2 und Zoom in drei Schritten” via LinkedIn
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20. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Another example from Magdeburg
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21. The “Sufferers”

22. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
As a student, what will I remember after the exam?
Source: Constructive Amusement via Twitter
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23. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
As a student, how do I feel I am treated?
Source: Mina Morkoç via Twitter
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24. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
How absurd can it get?
Source: Mina Morkoç via Twitter
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25. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
How absurd can it get?
Source: Mina Morkoç via Twitter
Frequently asked questions
Q 2) Laut Infoblatt sind am Schreibtisch ausdrücklich nur 6 Blatt Papier, 1 Lineal und 3 Stifte erlaubt.
Da die Prüfung aber 2 Stunden dauert wäre meine Frage ob es toleriert werden wird wenn zusätzlich
noch ein Glas Wasser und (ausgepackte) Müsliriegel auf dem Tisch sind.
Selbstverständlich dürfen Sie ein Glas Wasser oder eine Flasche am Tisch stehen haben (aber nur
ein transparentes Glas sowie eine transparente Flasche ohne Etikett). Ebenso ein Riegel ohne
Verpackung.
Source: Paul Mayrhofer via TU Wien
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26. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical open questions for proctored exams
▶ Can I go to the toilet?
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27. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical open questions for proctored exams
▶ Can I go to the toilet?
▶ What happens, if my roommate, wife, child, etc. enters the room?
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28. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical open questions for proctored exams
▶ Can I go to the toilet?
▶ What happens, if my roommate, wife, child, etc. enters the room?
▶ What happens, if the video bandwidth is not sufficient or my internet
connection breaks down?
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29. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical open questions for proctored exams
▶ Can I go to the toilet?
▶ What happens, if my roommate, wife, child, etc. enters the room?
▶ What happens, if the video bandwidth is not sufficient or my internet
connection breaks down?
▶ Who will look at my camera pictures?
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30. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical open questions for proctored exams
▶ Can I go to the toilet?
▶ What happens, if my roommate, wife, child, etc. enters the room?
▶ What happens, if the video bandwidth is not sufficient or my internet
connection breaks down?
▶ Who will look at my camera pictures?
▶ Who needs to know about my living conditions?
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31. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical open questions for proctored exams
▶ Can I go to the toilet?
▶ What happens, if my roommate, wife, child, etc. enters the room?
▶ What happens, if the video bandwidth is not sufficient or my internet
connection breaks down?
▶ Who will look at my camera pictures?
▶ Who needs to know about my living conditions?
▶ What happens if I get flagged for no reason?
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32. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Typical open questions for proctored exams
▶ Can I go to the toilet?
▶ What happens, if my roommate, wife, child, etc. enters the room?
▶ What happens, if the video bandwidth is not sufficient or my internet
connection breaks down?
▶ Who will look at my camera pictures?
▶ Who needs to know about my living conditions?
▶ What happens if I get flagged for no reason?
▶ What will all this do with my exam stress, nervousness and test anxiety?
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33. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
The “problem” is not new, “solutions” haven’t helped before.
Source: Tim Reichel via StudyCheck
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34. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
The “problem” is not new, “solutions” haven’t helped before.
Source: Tim Reichel via StudyCheck
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35. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
The “problem” is not new, “solutions” haven’t helped before.
Source: Tim Reichel via StudyCheck
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36. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
The “problem” is not new, “solutions” haven’t helped before.
Source: Tim Reichel via StudyCheck
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37. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
The “problem” is not new, “solutions” haven’t helped before.
Source: Tim Reichel via StudyCheck
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38. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
But on-site exams are still soooo safe
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39. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
But on-site exams are still soooo safe
The Independent (February 24, 2022)
“Medical student surgically implants Bluetooth device into own ear to cheat in final
exam – It was the student’s final attempt to clear the exam after repeatedly failing it
since getting admission into the college 11 years ago.”
Source: Shweta Sharma via The Independent
Source: Movidagrafica via Pixabay
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40. The Real Problem

41. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
All mentioned “problems” are just symptoms of an outdated exam
culture.
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42. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
All mentioned “problems” are just symptoms of an outdated exam
culture.
Street lamp effect:
Look where it seems easiest, not
where it is most relevant.
Source: Beat Döbeli Honegger via
Twitter
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43. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Traditional forms of testing vs. real world of work
Quelle: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/
taschenrechner-notizblock-1687962/
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44. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Traditional forms of testing vs. real world of work
Quelle: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/
taschenrechner-notizblock-1687962/
Quelle: https://pixabay.com/de/
arbeitsplatz-team-gesch%C3%
A4ftstreffen-1245776/
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45. The Real Solution

46. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
The internet won’t go away anymore.
The Internet is an intrinsic part of students’ lives. It cannot be ignored in
courses and exams but must be included.
Source: fancycrave1 via Pixabay
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47. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Our traditional exams are blind in one eye.
We need new examination formats in order to test the competencies of the
4C model (creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking)
together with professional competencies.
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48. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
With traditional exams, too much depends on a single test.
It is better to replace one summative assessment with many small
formative assessments that provide continuous feedback to students.
01
02
03
04
Source: bytrangle via Pixabay
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49. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
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50. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
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51. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
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52. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
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53. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
▶ feedback-oriented
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54. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
▶ feedback-oriented
▶ as open as possible
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55. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
▶ feedback-oriented
▶ as open as possible
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56. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
▶ feedback-oriented
▶ as open as possible
“Not so good” exams are:
▶ proctored
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57. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
▶ feedback-oriented
▶ as open as possible
“Not so good” exams are:
▶ proctored
▶ demonstrating a power
relation between the examiner
and examinees
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58. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
▶ feedback-oriented
▶ as open as possible
“Not so good” exams are:
▶ proctored
▶ demonstrating a power
relation between the examiner
and examinees
▶ only there to give a grade
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59. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
▶ feedback-oriented
▶ as open as possible
“Not so good” exams are:
▶ proctored
▶ demonstrating a power
relation between the examiner
and examinees
▶ only there to give a grade
▶ exclusively knowledge-based
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60. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
▶ feedback-oriented
▶ as open as possible
“Not so good” exams are:
▶ proctored
▶ demonstrating a power
relation between the examiner
and examinees
▶ only there to give a grade
▶ exclusively knowledge-based
▶ grading only the result but not
the process
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61. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Conclusion
“Good” exams are:
▶ authentic (allow cooperation/-
collaboration/communication)
▶ contemporary
▶ competence-oriented
▶ not “googleable” (or correct
googled results need to be
accepted)
▶ feedback-oriented
▶ as open as possible
“Not so good” exams are:
▶ proctored
▶ demonstrating a power
relation between the examiner
and examinees
▶ only there to give a grade
▶ exclusively knowledge-based
▶ grading only the result but not
the process
▶ unnecessarily restrictive
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62. The “Problem” The “Solution” The “Sufferers” The Real Problem The Real Solution
Survey
Let’s get back to your comments and questions!
https://www.menti.com/123456
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