STUDENTS' PERCEPTION OF AUTO-SCORED ONLINE EXAMS IN BLENDED ASSESSMENT: FEEDBACK FOR IMPROVEMENT

Development of the information and communication technologies has led to an increase in the use of Computer Based Assessment (CBA) in higher education. In the last decade, there has been a discussion on online versus traditional pen-and-paper exams. The aim of this study was to verify whether students have reserves about auto-scored online exams, and if that is the case, to determine the reasons. The study was performed in the context of a blended assessment in which 1200 students were enrolled on a first-year physics university course. Among them, 463 answered an anonymous survey, supplemented by information obtained from an open-ended question and from interviews with students. Three factors (labelled 'F1-Learning,' 'F2-Use of Tool,' and 'F3-Assessment') emerged from the quantitative analysis of the survey, and an additive scale was established. We found significant differences in the 'F3-Assessment' factor compared to the other two factors, indicating a lower acceptance of the tool for student assessment. It seems that even though students are used to computers, they have a lack of confidence in online exams. We carried out an in-depth survey on this topic in the form of an open-ended question and by interviewing a small group of 11 students to confer strength and nuance to the quantitative results of the survey. Although their comments were positive in general, especially on ease-of-use and on its usefulness in indicating the level achieved during the learning process, there was also some criticism of the clarity of questions and the strictness of the marking system. These two factors, among others, could have been the cause of the worse perception of F3-Assessment and the origin of the students' reluctance towards online exams and automatic scoring.