Mitigating the Challenges of Online Learning and Conduct of Examinations - From Faculty Perspective to Student Satisfaction

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the effects of imposition of online classes, teaching practices and conduct of examinations on students and faculty alike. The methodologies presented here are the actual practices followed by the faculties while delivering online classes, remote content preparation and distribution, exam guidelines and its implementation during the exams. This paper also explores the exam experience and overall satisfaction from student perspective. Survey was conducted among students in an anonymous way without collecting their identity to gauge their opinion on the way the online classes and exams were conducted. The sample of the study consisted of nearly 142 undergraduate students studying across three engineering colleges. This study finds interesting and mixed conclusions from students. We discuss in brief the challenges faced and how it was overcome by the faculty members and students alike, especially while conducting online examination. Some suggestions have also been made to improve upon not only the online teaching learning processes but also when the pandemic situation normalizes and physical classes would again become the norm. Keywords— Online classes; online teaching; active learning; COVID-19; student survey; student perception.