Page 44 - EVALUATION ENGLISH

Evaluation Reforms

8. Use of Technological Interventions

With the proliferation of different types of access devices, especially mobile access devices,
technology has the potential to augment traditional classroom practices and revolutionize
learning and evaluation methods. Technology, in fact can be an important driver to enable
lifelong learning. Learning and engagement of students is facilitated by use of technology
through several modes such as synchronous learning, semi-synchronous learning, blended
learning, collaborative learning, flipped classroom etc. MOOC’s, especially provided through
SWAYAM, are a window of opportunity for lifelong learning and are offered through technology
based platforms. Learning management systems (LMS) are used by institutions to integrate the
entire teaching, learning and evaluation process. The Learning Management System may be used
by higher educational institutions to deliver academic content in blended form and to assess
learning through thesis, assignments etc. Open source learning management systems such as
Moodle, Edmodo may be used for posting content in the form of videos, audios, e-learning
modules, live class sessions etc. Use of plagiarism detection software is highly recommended in
order to check originality of content.

In the conduct of examinations, universities face tremendous challenges such as need for trained
manpower, distribution of question paper without delays and errors, delays in evaluation of
answer scripts, lack of infrastructure to conduct examinations at a large scale, non-availability of
faculty members for assessment, security issues faced during paper setting and paper distribution,
tampering of certificates and answer scripts etc.
For a typical examination department of an institution, automation is required right from
registration of student to convocation through an integrated system. In fact, steps must be taken
to implement a complete examination management system that considers the complete life cycle
of examination process. The use of technology will reduce dependency on human intervention
and be error free. The following functions have to be automated:

i. registration of students and generating unique PRN,

ii. filling up of examination form,
iii. generation of seat numbers and admit cards/hall tickets,

iv. preparation of list of paper setter,

v. use of question bank system to draw question sets, question paper generation,
vi. online distribution of question papers on the day of examination with system of
encryption,

vii. barcode system for answer books (this will eliminate issues related to errors, avoid
malpractices etc.),
viii. digitization of answer scripts and onscreen evaluation of answer sheets,

ix. tracking of students performance,
x. Marks submission through online software,

xi. viewing of result through online system,

xii. online verification and revaluation system,

42 Evaluation Reforms in Higher Educational Institutions