EXPLORING CHALLENGES OF EXAMINATION FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS OF OPEN DISTANCE EDUCATION UNIVERSITIES

Author(s) : Ms. Fouzia Mohsin 1, Dr. Tahira Bibi2, Dr. Safi Ullah3**

Abstract:

Assessment is a systematic way for making reasoning about the learning and
development of students. Technology is crucial to the transition from traditional to
technology-based learning. Open Distance University is a distance learning institute
and has adopted an online examination system for international students. The purpose
of the study was to explore the challenges faced by students and management during
online examinations. The objectives of the study were ; to explore the challenges
management of Open Distance University face during the planning, conducting, and
evaluation of online examination for international students; to explore the challenges of
international preparation, participation, and completion of online exams; to determine the
technical issues faced by management and international students during online
examination; to identify the strategies the management adopt to address the issues
regarding international students. This study has provided insight into the challenges
faced by international students in online examinations. The present study was carried
out through a qualitative research approach. The total population of the study was 25,
autumn 2024 (12) and spring 2025 (13). The participants selected for the study were
15 international students which were selected through purposive sampling techniques.
Controller Examination, Deputy Controller Examination, superintendent, Invigilators,
Director International Collaboration and Exchange Office, Deputy Director International
collaboration and Exchange Office. The semi-structured interview was carried out by
the participants. The researcher employed thematic analysis and generated codes and
themes to analyze the data collected through semi structured interview for in depth
understanding. The key findings of the study listed several challenges faced by
international students and management in online examinations. These challenges
where instructions were not clear for the quiz and final exam, environmental factors like
noise, were created during final exam, during assignment and quiz submission,
technical issues were created. In final exams, proctoring, privacy concern of students
arouses, time zone issues for students from different regions, unavailability of
resources in practical examination caused stress and anxiety in students and impacted
the equity in evaluation and grading, and the lack of ongoing training for students and
faculty was a great burden on them and caused waste of time. The strategies to
mitigate these challenges were various communication channels, continuous training of
students and faculty, different slots for time zone difference, option for viva or open
book exam, options for submission of assignment or final exam sheets through email
or WhatsApp.
Keyword: online examination, international students, management, challenges.