Online examinations

Table of contents

    1. General conditions
    2. General notes on holding examinations online
    3. Holding written examinations
    4. Recommended online Tools
    5. Support services

General conditions

Digital examinations can be held if they are only a digital delivery format, but the examination format complies with the specifications in the respective examination regulations.

For digital remote examinations (not on the premises of the TU Dresden), the students' consent to the Data protection declaration for the processing of personal data in the context of digital exams must be obtained. A copy template of the data protection declaration and a manual for video supervision is available.

Digital on-site examinations can generally be conducted in PC pools or teaching rooms on devices brought by the students.

Both students and lecturers can only use the OPAL Exam examination platforms with a valid ZIH login with a second factor (2FA).

Further information on the current framework conditions can be found in the handout digital examinations. These can be found together with a FAQ on the examination administration website.

All teaching staff who plan online exams on the OPAL Exam@TUD examination platform (with ONYX or as an OPAL upload exam) need an exam date and a mock exam date. Please register your exam with your responsible examination office.

OPAL Exam@TUD Examination Platforms

At TU Dresden, three separate OPALExam@TUD examination portals have been set up for conducting examinations. This ensures greater system stability. With the help of the ONYX test suite, which is integrated into the OPAL platform, online exams can include either automatically or manually graded question types.

Further information

General notes on holding examinations online

Written examination: general information

Potential test methods

  • Competence-based testing: application, transfer or reflective tasks
  • Open-book examination (allows the use of resources – check how fast you can Google a question)
  • Variables in the questions resulting in different solutions
  • Random questions (selection from question pool with various difficulty levels: different examinations)
  • Automatically graded questions makes marking easier; this is also possible in combination with written answer questions (free-response/upload questions)

Examination procedure

  • Design (technical, organizational, content-related)
    • Considerations: What content should be tested? Can the answers be submitted via keyboard and mouse (online examination) or do they have to be (at least partially) on paper and then uploaded (sketches, complex formulas, etc.)? See "Written examination (possible answer methods in the examination variants)."
  • Registration for the examination portal (date assignment)
  • Question creation
  • Technical matters (if necessary with the support or examination check of the ZiLL)
  • Internal trial run
  • Trial run for students
  • Conducting of the examination
  • Assignment of grades
  • Storage
Written examination: specific variants with different answer methods

Typical methods of answering examination questions and possible options for holding online examinations are listed below. Designing a test exactly as described below does not always work well; for instance, to increase the proportion of tasks that can be evaluated automatically or solved directly on the computer (e.g., selecting the correct figure or finding errors in a figure instead of creating the figure independently).

* = manual evaluation

Answer method

Options
Input of text
  • Written answer in ONYX *
  • Gap fill exercise in ONYX
  • Text file upload in ONYX/OPAL *

Numerical input
  • Gap fill (numeric) in ONYX
  • Gap fill (calculation) in ONYX (use of random variables)

Formula input
  • Gap fill (formula) in ONYX for simpler formulas (practice this beforehand and help students on notation if necessary).
  • File upload of hard-copy solution into ONYX/OPAL for complex formulas/solutions *
Textual or graphic selection/categorization
  • Multiple choice in ONYX
  • Multiple response in ONYX
  • Text box in ONYX
  • Error text in ONYX
  • Categorization (single, multiple, or graphic) in ONYX
  • Sequencing in ONYX
  • Hotspot task in ONYX (selection of the correct area of an illustration)
  • Drawing/design
Sketch/design
  • File upload of hard-copy solution into ONYX/OPAL *
  • Creation with special software (if already practiced during teaching and available for students) and subsequent file upload in ONYX/OPAL *

Program code
  • File upload of hard-copy solution into ONYX/OPAL *
  • File upload in ONYX/OPAL (created with suitable editor) *
  • Note: ONYX does not provide the programming question task type in the examination system
Written examinations: Comparison of upload examination and ONYX examination
  Uploaded examination (via task module) ONYX examination

Common scenarios

 Examinations with sketches, mathematical solutions, formulas, etc. or free-response questions, but also for examinations to be held online at very short notice. Examinations with (many) automatically evaluable questions, especially with a high number of participants (increased effort in preparation offset by reduced effort in correction). Need for monitoring or control options or individualized examinations, especially in mathematics.

Examination procedure

Students: Download the questions, work on the examination offline (variants: electronic upload of handwritten exam [photo/scan] or the students write the exam on their computer with special software [e.g., editor]); upload solutions within predefined time frame and take examination independently (no time display).

Test supervisors: Assistance with technical or operating problems.

Students: online completion of the examination within a specified time window in the browser with the remaining time on display.

Test supervisors: can monitor progress (who has which status, start, end, continuation after interruption, allow for extra time in individual cases) via the examination control system. Assist with technical or operating problems.
Workload for creating questions

Can be identical to in-person examinations, but you should try to ask as few questions as possible with solutions which can be shared or researched very quickly.

The preparation of different examination variants may involve more effort.

When switching from free-response questions to automatically graded questions, it may involve greater effort to prepare (e.g., finding good distractors). In particular, ask as few questions as possible with solutions that can be shared or researched very quickly.

If you choose to create a pool of questions for random task assignment, this may involve more effort to prepare.

Possible question types

 Anything that can be solved on paper or using special software available to students on their own devices. Text formatting is also possible with word processing programs, for example.

Various automatically graded question types such as multiple choice, categorization, gap fill, formula comparison.

Manually graded question types: Free-response, upload (not recommended, use sparingly).
Specific options for mitigating academic misconduct Distribute several examination variants randomly.

Random order of questions, random subset of questions, linear navigation (no possibility to go back to the previous question), use of random variables especially for calculation questions (via Maxima, may involve high technical effort), prohibition of inserting copied text in a free text field, time limit for subsections.
Technical steps Creation of the examination in a word processing program, for example; creation of the OPAL course (e.g., by copying the sample course and making some adjustments); upload of the examination. Transfer of the examination questions to ONYX; creation of the OPAL course (e.g., by copying the sample course including some adjustments).
Technical effort for the creation of the examination

Low

 Increases depending on the question types and resources used (e.g., images). Can be taken over by ZiLL (Center for Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching) with the exception of Maxima questions. When using Maxima, the effort may increase significantly, depending on the complexity/variability of the questions.
Technical workload for examination supervisors Low. Operating or technical problems normally only occur at the beginning (e.g., access problems) or end of the examination (e.g., time expired before upload).

During the examination, permanent supervision is needed to help with operating problems and to continue interrupted examinations. Approximately one supervisor per 50 students is recommended.

Greater potential for problems when compared to uploading examinations because a stable internet connection is required.

Technical requirements for students

 PC/laptop/tablet, internet connection at the beginning and end of the examination, updated browser, uploading options ([smartphone with] camera, scanner), or requires software such as word processing program and appropriate knowledge to operate it. PC/laptop/tablet, stable internet connection during the entire examination period, updated browser

Saving during the examination

Must be done by students.

 Continuous transmission of the answers. Minimal to no data loss after resuming a test following an interruption.
Procedure for examination marking Collective download of uploaded files, offline evaluation.

Online evaluation of manually evaluable questions on a person-by-person or anonymous question-by-question basis. Also possible offline via pdf download of the examinations.
Workload for examination marking

In the case of uploaded examinations, comparable to the usual in-person exams, insofar as the quality of the upload is sufficient.

Somewhat lower for solutions created on the computer, since illegible handwriting would not pose a problem.

None for automatically graded questions.

Manually graded questions may involve somewhat less effort than paper examinations, as illegible handwriting would not pose a problem.
Term Paper/Seminar Paper

Digital distribution of tasks and collection of results

Options for Submission

  • Task module in OPAL (see the section Online tools)
  • Upload to course module folder/group folder in OPAL
  • Upload to CloudStore (file/folder sharing)
  • Email
Oral Examination

Conducted via video conferencing tool with webcam and microphone/headset

Notes

  • Allow enough time for setup at the beginning (camera, microphone, etc.)
  • Identification possible by presentation of an ID card via the camera
  • For data protection reasons: no electronic recording – only conventional note-taking
  • Simple sketches via whiteboard using the mouse possible; the expansion or annotation of provided sketches (via PDF presentation) is also possible
  • Students can also draw sketches on paper and present them to the camera
  • Clarify procedure for reviewing grades in advance (telephone, separate video conference room, breakout room)
  • In the case of unresolvable technical difficulties, stop the examination and agree on another date

Recommended Tool

Defense/presentation

Conducted via video conferencing tool with webcam and microphone/headset 

Notes

  • Moderation usually necessary (e.g. deactivation of interfering microphones, management of requests to speak during the discussion)
  • Student in the role of the presenter
  • For data protection reasons: no electronic recording – only conventional note-taking
  • Allow enough time for setup at the beginning (camera, microphone, presentation, etc.)
  • If desired, allow public to participate
  • In the case of unresolvable technical difficulties, stop the examination and agree on another date
  • Clarify procedure for reviewing grades and announce in advance (telephone, separate video conference room, breakout room)

Recommended Tool

Holding written examinations

The two most common written examination types and the necessary steps including links to more detailed guidance are detailed below. You can find information on the most suited variants in the last section.

Online examinations with ONYX

Online examinations with ONYX will be implemented via a separate examination portal in OPAL. During the examination, the entries are regularly saved to enable continuation after a malfunction (e.g., browser crash). Via the Examination Control, the exam supervisor can see who has started or completed the examination or recognize where a malfunction has occurred and enable the test to continue.

General Notes

  • To conduct an examination on the platform, you need to apply for an examination date via Examination Office.
  • Each participant must have logged in to the examination portal once before, then they can be recognized in the system and added to a group (obligatory for access to the students' examination results).
  • Clarify how supervisors and participants can communicate in case of questions/problems (e.g., email, matrix chat room, phone, video conference room). We recommend using the channels the students already used for the lectures
  • Clearly communicate the examination date, access link, and procedure to participants.
  • For more on ONYX features, please see the Online tools section.

Design and question formulation

Technical matters

  • Internal trial run : do a thorough test run and carefully check the evaluation scheme.
  • Transferring participants:  manually or by registration (disallow unsubscribing). If there is a larger number of participants, divide the students into different groups (if possible max. 50 participants) with assigned supervisors/monitors.
  • Checking the configurations with ZiLL: after drafting your examination paper (preferably one week before the examination is due to take place), send the (mock) exam link to .
  • Implementing measures to compensate for disadvantages:
    • Additional study groups, a copy of the ONYX test and test elements with extra time OR 
    • Manual time addition via exam control at the beginning of the exam

Mock Examination

  • Offer students a short mock examination similar to your planned exam in advance so the participants can test the technical environment, familiarize themselves with the system, and minimize technical problems during the actual examination. For this purpose, use an ONYX test with the question types and the same settings planned for the exam.

Holding the Examination

  • Overview: Video on creating an online examination
  • Each supervisor monitors the assigned group of students through the examination control system. Video supervision is performed via the selected video conferencing tool.
  • Depending on the configuration, students can start the exam on their own or they will be authorized to do so by the exam supervisor.
  • Students can make contact through the previously used communication channels if there are any problems/questions and examination access can be granted for continuation.
  • If supervisors have questions during the course of the examination, they should call the support number. You can find the telephone numbers on the start page of the examination platform.

Evaluation and grading

Examination review (optional)

Storage

  • The Examination Office and Examination Committee must be granted access to the digital results upon request.
  • The data must be secured against access by unauthorized third parties.
  • Save the online examination results in the examination platform where they were generated and please do not delete them. The same also applies for OPAL courses and test modules - please do not delete these and do not remove participants from the learning group. If necessary, switch the course to private after completion.
  • The data archiving function allows you to download PDF versions of the examinations (filled out and graded) for all participants.
  • Detailed guide "after the online ONYX examination" 1 (Chapter 5)
  • Video of online Workshop "After online examination"

Footnotes

  1. Available in OPAL after login

    a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i

Upload examination / electronic versions of hard copy examinations

In this variant, students are provided with the questions for the examination online. The participants answer the questions in a predefined time frame with special software (e.g. word processing program) at their computer or on paper. Hand-written examinations must then be uploaded at the end. In all cases, the examination results are uploaded for marking.

General Notes

  • Less technical effort for the creation of the examination
  • Hand-written examinations are especially well-suited to the submission of complex formulas, drawings, etc.
  • When using OPAL, each participant must have logged in previously; only then can they be recognized in the system and be added to a group.
  • Clearly communicate to the participants the examination date, access link, and procedure, including specifications for labeling (page number, question number, name, or similar).
  • Clarify the procedure to be used in case of problems (internet failure, etc.) in advance (including contact option, e.g., email, matrix chat room, telephone, video conference room).
  • Make sure you are familiar with the procedure in case of problems (internet connectivity issues, etc.) in advance (incl. who to contact; e.g. email, matrix chat-room, telephone, video conference room)
  • Allow enough time for students to upload documents
  • For digital remote examinations: Confirmation of "Data protection declaration for the processing of personal data in the context of digital exams" by students (Template Declaration of consent for digital remote exams)

Options for uploading exam answers for students

  • Photo via smartphone
  • Photo via digital camera
  • Photo via webcam
  • Scanner
  • Smartphone scanner app (PDF) (due to data protection, we cannot make a blanket recommendation for a specific tool)
  • In exceptional cases: Creation directly on the end device (graphics tablet, editors, special software, etc.)—in this case, the uploading step is irrelevant

Options for the distribution of questions/submission of the examination

  • Task components in OPAL (recommended)
  • CloudStore
  • Email (if possible with delivery receipt and only via TU Dresden addresses)
  • Upload question in ONYX (recommended only for few, smaller files)

Creating examinations

  • Question design/creation
  • It is recommended to distribute the questions and collect the solutions via the task module in an OPAL course
  • Internal trial run
  • Transfer of participants to one or more learning groups (disallow unsubscribing)
  • Restriction of task module access to learning groups for examination period
  • Checking the configurations with ZiLL: After coming up with your examination paper (preferably one week before the examination is due to take place), send the (mock) exam link to .

Mock Examination

  • Offer students a short mock examination similar to your planned exam in advance so the participants can test the technical environment and familiarize themselves with the system, thus preventing technical problems during the actual examination

Examination

  • Manual video supervision
  • Video recording of the online seminar on using the task module for online examinations
  • Distribution of task assignment to students
  • Writing the examination on paper/on a computer
  • Electronic copy of the examination, if necessary; recommended delivery format: PDF/A
  • Uploading of the examination
  • If problems or questions arise, students can ask for help via the previously used channels
  • If supervisors have questions during the course of the examination, they should call the support number. You can find the telephone numbers on the start page of the examination platform

Evaluation and grading

  • Correction/evaluation takes place outside of the examination platform
  • Use the ‘Data archiving’ function to download the participant's submitted files

Examination review (optional)

  • You can activate this function for the students via the examination platform by uploading the corrected exam to the return folder

Storage

  • The process for the storage of digital examination results is currently being coordinated
  • The Examination Office and Examination Committee must be granted access to the digital results upon request
  • The data must be secured against access by unauthorized third parties
  • Save the online examination results in the examination platform where they were generated and please do not delete them. Therefore, do not delete the OPAL course and test modules and do not remove participants from the learning group. If necessary, make the course private after completion.
  • You can use the ‘Data archiving’ function to download all of the participant’s submitted files
  • Recording of Online Workshop ‘After the Examination’ (in german)

Recommended online Tools

Video Conferencing: BigBlueButton
  • Can also be used for the transmission of sensitive data, e.g., examinations, defenses, video supervision
  • Operated on TU Dresden servers
  • Access via ZIH login, but also possible for external users

Technical Requirements

  • Web browser
  • Camera/webcam
  • Headset or speakers/earphones + microphone

Functions

  • Video broadcast
  • Instant messenger
  • PDF presentation
  • Screen sharing
  • Whiteboard
  • Breakout rooms

Booking

Support

ONYX Test on the OPAL Exam@TUD Examination Platform
  • Online examinations can be created and carried out directly in a web browser with the OPAL Exam@TUD Examination Platform, including the integrated ONYX test suite
  • Enables questions with automatic and manual evaluation
  • Caching of entries during the examination at short intervals
  • Examination mode for monitoring the exam (resumption after interruption, etc.)
  • Technical implementation of the exam in the ONYX editor
    • Simple text formatting
    • Use of images, audio, video
    • Formula representation in questions/answer options via LaTeX/MathML
    • Time limit per section or examination
    • Dynamic mathematical tasks via maxima

Question Types

Example Tests

Automatic evaluation

  • Multiple choice
  • Multiple response
  • Gap fill (text, numeric, calculated [variables], regular expressions, formulas)
  • Categorization (simple/matrix/graphic)
  • Error text
  • Hotspot
  • Sequencing
  • Text box
  • Programming questions are unavailable on the examination system!

Manual evaluation

  • Free-response
  • Upload (image, text file, etc.): only partially recommended; for larger examinations or multiple files, the additional use of the task module for upload is recommended

Mathematical Questions with Maxima

Maxima is a system for working with symbolic and numeric expressions. Within ONYX, this can be used to evaluate formula comparisons automatically, for example, but also numerical values of mathematical questions using random values (calculation task). Please see the guidelines for using Maxima in online examinations on the platform.

Help and guidelines

More independent learning offers

Task Module on the OPAL Exam@TUD Examination Platform
  • You can carry out upload examinations with the task component on the examination platform OPAL Exam@TUD (create the examination on a computer [e.g. in a word processing program] or on paper + upload)
  • Assignment of examination questions to students for download (same for all or randomly assigned)
  • Individual submission folder for each student to upload solutions (307 MB storage capacity per person/exam)
  • Time-based and group-based access control
  • Collective download of all uploaded files as a ZIP file (contains one folder per participant)
  • Individual evaluation possible for each student

Tutorials

Support services

In addition to the instructions above, we have configured sample OPAL courses that already contain the most important settings for standard exams. You can download these courses, import them to the examination platform, and adapt them to your examination as indicated: ONYX Examination Course Template or Course Template for Uploaded Examinations (Task Module).

For an individual consultation please contact .

Find our further support services for digital exams on our consultation website.

About this page

Ulrike Schirwitz
Last modified: Mar 05, 2024