Student interaction with a computer tablet exam application replicating the traditional paper exam

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a computer tablet-based examination application (TabExam) and to explore its potential to replace the traditional paper-based exams. It was completed in digital handwriting with a stylus pen and submitted online for marking and feedback. Comparisons of student exam scores on both the TabExam and a parallel traditional paperbased exam indicated no difference, suggesting that the change in exam mode did not affect academic performance. While students reported that the TabExam had some advantages over paper exams, they had a neutral view on using it as a complete replacement for paper-based exams. More than half of the students accessed the online feedback provided after the TabExam while none of the students requested feedback on their paper exams. In addition to the quantitative data, this paper also provides a students’ perspective into aspects that they perceive as positive or negative, or need improvement, with regards to the use of tablets for examinations.