The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

The independent student news organization of Nicholls State University

the nicholls worth

Online testing via Moodle: Friend or Foe?

Online+testing+via+Moodle%3A++Friend+or+Foe%3F

Between teachers never posting grades, assignments not being made “visible” and tests not saving or scoring properly, Moodle can sometimes feel as if it is more of a burden than a bridge. Sure, the sound of a teacher offering a test or quiz via Moodle sounds great because you can take it at home, but will it really help you in the long run?
While the idea of being able to earn your grade from the comfort of your own home or dorm seems appealing, there are a few things to consider before completely condemning the “old-fashioned” wayof actually having to write your answers down.
The first thing to consider is the time limit. If you were to take a quiz or test in class with everyone else, you usually have the full period to take that test. This way you can take the test at your own pace and not have to worry about that ticking time bomb of a countdown that  lurks at the top of the screen.   This also gives teachers a chance to gauge the pace at which the rest of the class is working and extend time accodingly.
Another thing to consider is the fact that there will be no teacher to help you if you were to need a question answered.  While you may think, “I’m in college. I don’t need a teacher to answer questions during a test,” when the day finally comes that you need it, you better hope your teacher is an e-mail speed demon.
Finally, and the most important thing to consider before taking a test online, is grading. While it may seem simple, automatic grading via Moodle can have its problems. If you have ever taken a multiple-choice quiz or test via Moodle, chances are your grade instantly came up after you clicked submit. This is great because you get to see how great and/or terrible you did right away, but this feature can also have its setbacks. This may come as a shock to you, but Moodle can be unstable sometimes, meaning it is very possible that it could score your test wrong. Also, since your test is on the web instead of paper, your teacher will only have a number next to your name, not a paper to go back to if you suspect a mistake.  Also, in Moodle, partial credit is non-existent.
Being convenient does not always necessarily mean that something will be better. Taking an online test may appeal to lazy students who don’t want to go to class and lazy teacher who do not want to grade papers, but the fact of the matter is testing is the most effective and stress-free whenever you do it the old fashioned way. 

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All the nicholls worth Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Activate Search
Online testing via Moodle: Friend or Foe?