How Will University Online Exams Be Conducted? Because of the coronavirus pandemic, in-person examinations cannot be held. As a result, end-of-term exams could not be administered face-to-face, so the Higher Education Council (YÖK) has defined and communicated principles for end-of-term digital exams to universities. According to the latest notice from YÖK, the basic rules for exams conducted in digital environments have been set. The rules include random selection of questions, mandatory full-screen exam mode, and activation of a browser lock function.
The principles for assessment and evaluation in digital environments were established by a commission made up of distance education experts from various universities within YÖK. The circular sent to universities lists all measures to be applied in digital exams, ranging from providing technical support to students to ensuring exam security.
Transparency and Auditability Will Be Prioritized
Transparency and auditability will be prioritized. During the pandemic, when calculating end-of-term success grades, online exam scores will be considered alongside, whenever possible, assignments, projects, class discussions and participation in Learning Management System (LMS) activities. Digital exams will be conducted with an emphasis on transparency and the ability to audit results. Exam security measures that the LMS or digital platforms allow will be implemented. These measures include randomizing questions, requiring full-screen mode, and enabling a browser lock.
Universities will provide information and training for instructors and students on online exam procedures. Before each exam, students will be clearly informed about how the exam will operate, the allotted time, scoring principles, student responsibilities, protest procedures, and ethical rules.
Make-up Exams Will Be Offered to Students Who Cannot Participate
Make-up exams will be offered to students who are unable to take scheduled exams. Priority access for students taking exams will be facilitated through the national e-Government (e-Devlet) system. Solutions and technical support will be provided for students who lack access to digital platforms. Where necessary, students will be allowed to use alternative online access methods. Priority access to university facilities in the student’s area will be provided, and, if required, computer and internet resources from the Ministry of Education and other public institutions may be made available.
When students are unable to attend university exams for acceptable reasons, compensatory online exams will be arranged to prevent disadvantage. Procedures will be defined to enable students facing technical problems to complete their exams. Plagiarism detection software may be used when evaluating assignments, projects, and research reports. In online assessments, students will be given sufficient time according to the exam type. All necessary measures will be taken to ensure that disadvantaged or disabled students can complete digital exams effectively and fairly.