The University of London has been doing a home-based online exam for EMFSS students whether it is distance learning or teaching centre based for the past two years, and in May/June 2024, and they are planning to shift to answering online proctored exams at an local centre for teaching centre based students. We, the students at the University of London, respectfully urge the administration to reconsider the shift from home-based online proctored exams to in-person proctored exams at exam centres for teaching centre based students by giving this petition. Maintaining home-based online proctored exams offers numerous advantages for all students involved:

Firstly, home-based online exams eliminate travel and logistical problems, ensuring all students can participate without transportation barriers. Home-based exams offer convenience for students where we can take the test in a familiar environment, eliminating the need for travel and the associated time and costs. This reduction in stress associated with commuting could positively affect our mental well-being and focus during the exam.

Many students face financial constraints and cannot afford additional expenses such as transportation, purchasing portable laptops and venue fees. Travelling to examination centres incurs costs that may burden already tight budgets. In addition to that even though it's an online exam, additional fees should be paid for the venue. More importantly, many students answer exams using their desktop computers. Purchasing portable laptops for the exam add extra financial burden on students, potentially bringing difficulties to take exams. For students who work part-time while studying and live far from examination centres or with inadequate transportation options, home-based exams ensure fairness in access. They might not have the means to reach examination centres easily, making it challenging to take the exam at exam centre.

Secondly, examination centres might not have reliable internet connections, leading to disruptions during online exams. This inconsistency in connectivity can significantly impact our ability to complete the exam smoothly. While internet problems can occur at examination centres, we may feel more equipped to troubleshoot issues at home, where they have greater control over their environment. Troubleshooting potential internet disruptions or technical issues might be easier in a familiar setting. Examination centres have multiple students accessing the same network, potentially causing congestion and slowing down internet speeds. At home, students can control the number of devices accessing the network, potentially reducing congestion-related issues.

Moreover, home-based online exams improve mental health for students. Online exams at home often allow for more flexible scheduling within a specified window. This flexibility can reflect our different rhythms, optimizing our readiness and focus during the test. Students have better control over them compared to a bustling examination centre, potentially leading to improved focus and performance. Greater comfort and reduced anxiety can positively influence our ability to perform better during exams. Less stress from travel and being in a familiar setting can contribute to improved mental well-being, which may positively affect their overall academic performance and engagement.

The Inspera Exam Portal (IEP) online proctored examination system incorporates robust measures to ensure exam integrity and authenticity. This proctoring software has advanced to monitor test-takers effectively. It can detect cheating behaviors, monitor the test environment, ensure the integrity of the exam, ensure fairness, and prevent cheating. Features such as plagiarism checks, webcams, and microphone monitoring are already in place for home-based online exams. These rigorous measures provide the same level of scrutiny and security as in-person exams at examination centres. Furthermore, using Inspera requires students to bring multiple devices, which leads to charging devices. We must change between our many devices to ensure that none of them run out of battery. This reduces our concentration on the questions and answers, leading to lots of unnecessary problems.

Maintaining online proctored exams at home offers the same level of academic integrity and monitoring while mitigating the challenges and disparities associated with exams at exam centre. It ensures fairness, accessibility, and security, aligning with modern educational practices and the university's commitment to technological advancement in assessment methods.

The University of London has introduced a proactive support system, including inquiry sections, to help students with online examination challenges. This proactive approach addresses technical difficulties, personal constraints, and accessibility concerns. The inquiry sections provide guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and solutions ensuring timely assistance and a smoother examination experience for all students. This proactive approach has proven effective in addressing various issues.

The University of London has been prioritizing student convenience and well-being. When exams are designed to accommodate students' needs and circumstances, it helps to foster a sense of inclusivity and support, potentially leading to higher student satisfaction and engagement. Home-based online exams cater to students worldwide, supporting accessibility and diverse student populations. We solely rely on exams to graduate because UOL is entirely exam-based. We don't want to risk our exam because of unnecessary tension from the environment and noise caused by others when we can just take an online exam from home.

Moreover, given the recent doubling of COVID cases in Singapore, there's a concern for the health of students taking exams at physical venues, as there's an increased risk of falling ill.

The following link shows the increased rate of covid. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/public-should-remain-vigilant-amid-doubling-of-local-covid-19-cases

In conclusion, we strongly support for the continuation of home-based online proctored exams at the University of London for the upcoming exam in May/June 2024. This approach upholds fairness, inclusivity, and technological advancement, benefiting students’ mental health and convenience at large.

The Straits Times: SIM-UOL students upset at have to pay extra fees to take online exams at British Council venue Link

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sim-uol-students-upset-at-having-to-pay-extra-fees-to-take-exams-online-at-british-council-venue