New study finds two-thirds of UK students would prefer online examinations to cancellations

Students would rather their exams to be moved online than cancelled, a recent study has shown.

An independent survey conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) found that more than half of students prefer online tests.

Just 36 per cent of students said that the coronavirus outbreak should be enough for institutions to cancel assessments for the remainder of the year.

Data shows that 42 per cent said they expected universities to transfer assessments online, while 17 per cent said they would prefer assessments to be postponed until after COVID-19 passes.

Of those who wanted the assessments cancelled, the greater proportion was of first-year students with 44 per cent, followed by second-year students with 32 per cent.

Only 31 per cent of students in their final year wanted exams cancelled.

The study reveals that five per cent of students surveyed selected ‘other’ with a preference for exams to be replaced by essays, or for a ‘safety net’ to be implemented in order to avoid negative impacts due to the pandemic.

Rachel Hewitt, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Higher Education Policy Institute, described the results as evidence that “universities are supporting students and applicants through these challenging times.”

She said: “Despite having to scale up online provision very quickly, few students are dissatisfied with the offering from their institution.

“Despite all the uncertainty, much remains the same. Two-thirds of students still want the opportunity to complete their assessments from afar.”

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) moved their assessments online shortly after a petition to cancel first year exams collated more than 2,000 signatures.

Students were divided on the issue as a result of unequal working environments due to the global pandemic.

First year Business Management and HR student Ewan Champion, 19, believes the exams should have been scrapped.

He said: “I just feel there is no point for us, those on my course and those in similar situations, being told they have to do exams at home, a place where it would be tempting and easy to cheat.

“All of our coursework has been submitted and received grades, the only thing missing was just to do exams – just pass us onto second year.”

Katie Green, 19, a first-year studying Journalism believes that exams should go ahead as scheduled.

She said: “I think exams should be put online because considering the way the world is at the moment, I think it is best to not go to do the exams at university, but do them online so it ensures we’re prepared for next year.”

Earlier this month NTU implemented a blanket no detriment policy in order to ensure students would not be negatively affected.

The decision was taken after a meeting between Nottingham Trent Students’ Union president Bradley Fox and Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Students are now required to submit and pass their summer assignments and assessments in order to avoid a lower classification than the one achieved solely on the work completed up to the end of March.

By Matthew Lee

Feature photo credit: Pixabay