To understand the term computer based exam we first notice that all the information that is entered to one local system (e.g. a laptop in the examination hall) may appear at another, far more powerful, central computer (e.g. cloud) in real time or with a certain delay. In the environment of a computer based exam, all the data relating to an examinee need not be stored on the local machine and system image, progress and time stops, too, may be saved instantaneously in a central location.
The feature obviates the requirement to store data only on the location but also to back it up on the cloud during the examination itself thus not only optimizing storing space but also ensuring the safety of the data. Thus, such redundancy when combined with real time synchronization leads to a lot of advantages to all the interested parties involved with the examination.
Cloud Syncing of Computer Based Exam is an Inevitability:-
Computer Based Exam are adopted by Education systems, public exams, corporate recruitment tests, and so on have all advanced in recent times to the extent where it is now the norm and administration of such tests has changed. A mere power failure, system crash or internet disconnection can alter the situation of the examination process in the past.
When cloud sync is enabled it circumvents these situations by bridging an incessant communication between the computer based exam and the cloud server. Thereby guaranteeing no data is left behind, no progress is reverted and the experience of the test taker is maintained regardless of the circumstances.
Advantages for Integrating Computer Based Exam with Cloud:-
1. Instant backup of information:
Sometimes in the usual exam architecture, information is stored in the machine and stored only at the end of the exam, when it is uploaded on a web server. This time lapse adds extra risk of loss of data. Cloud sync removes this risk and allows for every movement and answer given and even the simple action of a click within the device to be recorded and stored as it happens in a safe place.
This is crucial during a vast number of operations where the computer based exam is valued, such that a small problem could have an effect on a vast number of people.
2. Enhancement of Durability and Continuity:
Let us imagine in a case a student is paying attention towards her exam when the system suddenly shuts down. In such a scenario many precious times are spent looking for a restart before presenting the candidate again with a page after sight or students are graded under different conditions and the system fails to log information for a midpoint to a target oriented computer based exam, the temptation is to repeat such conditions. However Cloud sync allows for one to stop at this point, advance to the next and if they log back in they will continue the exercise with marked points.
3. Security and Data Encryption:
Cloud based systems presently practice very high standard levels of encryption (e.g. by secure socket layer and advanced encryption standard no Less,) implying the security of data in starts and also while it flies in the air can only be explained as means of protecting the data. The teachers do not have to worry about question paper leakage, unauthorized access or even cheating when a computer based exam is proctored using devices where the derived questions of such a system are supported.
4. Fast Result Processing:
Since exam submissions are available offline in the cloud while the exam takes place, it is possible to process the result once the exam is over. A computer based exam eliminates the process of transferring and gathering data, which further reduces the time frame for result declaration.
This is of great advantage to institutions involved in competitive exams or recruitments where the time factor is very important.
5. Synching Capability from Offline Mode to Online Mode:
One of the primary breakthroughs in computer based exam offered with cloud technology is the application that enables the examinations to continue without the need for internet connection, thanks to the inbuilt automatic sync feature. In cases when connection to the internet at the site fails, the test action does not stop and continues as usual. Once the internet connection is back all the data saved locally is instantly uploaded to its cloud storage.
Such sort of functionality brings the much-needed convenience in testing, especially in areas with unreliable internet connection.
Use of Cloud Sync in Offline – Online Completion of Exams:-
The issue of how to reach the positions of both deploying computer based exam on so many students across so many places in one go has been one of the toughest nuts to crack. Cloud sync is an elegant solution to this problem.
As a result of this infrastructure, two mission groups of test administrators, mainly:
- Enable administrators to create centralized dashboards anonymously,
- monitor the real time progress of the participants under observation,
- establish viewable, synchronized e-logs for audit purposes and operate multiple test centers at the same time without conflicting with each other.
Sadly, this level of coordination and integration was not feasible under the LAN or corporation based models.
Remote Exams Via Proctoring Enhanced by Cloud Integration:-
In the current age of increasing computer based exam practice done from home or in remote areas, online proctoring capabilities are enhanced owing to this cloud sync. Video, screen, and behavior analytics collected by AI is all synchronized onto the cloud in accomplice’s behalf instantly.
Proctors also have the option of monitoring the test or session as it is going on, or afterwards under full disclosure. Anything that has triggered any alerts of inappropriate behavior of the candidate or any technical issue, or violation of any rule, gets recorded and can be accessed right away.
Cost Efficient Including Preservation of the Environment:-
One more strength of cloud-enabled computer based exam, which is not often mentioned, is that it minimizes the consumption of natural resources. There is no more need for physical servers, paper materials, logistics and storage when the exams can be fully administered in the cloud system.
There is no need for the institution to purchase facilities for storing servers anymore. All that is necessary is a cloud service provider. This has been made possible by the use of such solutions which allows the sources to grow as necessary and enable the usage of payments per usage comfort.
Conclusion:-
With the evolution and the globalization of business, cloud-based computer based exam delivery systems are no longer a choice but a necessity. Whether it be for maintaining the credibility of the exam, adding features to the examination platform, or improving the capacity, cloud connectivity is the essence of contemporary assessment systems.
This change will enhance how exams are conducted and when they are conducted and at the same time keep the evolution of examination practices in a changing world.
If you are willing to rethink how you conduct computer based exam, then please get in touch with Think Exam and let us show you how you can improve your testing approach with cloud assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-
Q1. What exactly is a computer based exam (CBE)?
- A computer based exam is an assessment that is conducted on a computer or a digital device, instead of a traditional paper format. The candidate will simply read the questions through an online or offline exam interface and submit their answers.
Q2. What does cloud sync mean in an exam context?
- Cloud sync is the automatic synchronization of all the exam data such as responses, time logs, clinical data, and test status from the local machine to a secure cloud server.
Q3. In what ways does cloud sync benefit computer based exam?
- A computer based exam essentially allows backing up data through real-time use, avoids loss due to interruption, allows resumption of tests from their last point of failure, increases security, and allows central monitoring operation.
Q4. What happens if internet connectivity is lost during an exam that is cloud-synced?
- It simply means that the venue is Think Exam, an exam that continues as an offline exam. Once the connectivity comes back, data automatically syncs to the cloud ensuring nothing is lost.
Q5. Is cloud sync secure for the sensitive computer based exam data it conveys?
- Answer: Yes. Established platforms use end-to-end encryption and most times follow industry security standard protocols for protecting examination data during transmission and storage.
