We present an approach to using mixed reality (MR) technologies in supervised summative electronic exams. The student learning experience is increasingly replete with a rich range of digital tools, but we rarely see these same e-tools deployed for higher stakes supervised assessment, despite the increasing maturity of technologies that afford authentic learning experiences. MR, including augmented and virtual reality, enables educators to provide rich, immersive learner centred experiences that have unique affordances for collecting a range of learning analytics on student performance. This is especially so in disciplines such as health, engineering, and physical education requiring a spatial dimension. Yet, in many institutions, paper-based exams still dominate, in some measure due to concerns over security, integrity and scalability. This is despite a key concern for educators and institutions in producing employment ready 21st century graduates being the authenticity of assessments used for high stakes judgements. We therefore present a proposal for how MR pedagogies can be deployed for use in supervised examination contexts in a manner that is secure, reliable, and scalable.
3. TRADITIONAL EXAM
• Difficult for an examiner to understand
how a learner makes the connection
between the spatial structure and
outcome
• Many learners struggle with spatial
association & assessment
• Examination requires invigilation
5. ELECTRONIC EXAMS
• Three Year Project
• Ten Australian Universities
• Invigilated Electronic Exam using
Students Own Laptops (BYOD)
• Locked down system where
students cannot access any other
resources
But how do we provide
authentic mixed reality
assessment in this situation?
And how do we capture data
for examination purposes?
6. SPATIAL LEARNING
ANALYTICS
• Android App – captures learning
data through an observation and
examination mode – uses
existing webcam on student
laptop
• E-Exam system running on
laptop based on Linux with
Android Virtual Machine
• Tool to pass data from Android
app to system to store on USB
stick
• Dashboard to visualize data,
including replay of student
attempt and answers to
questions
8. Conclusion and Future Work
• Mixed Reality is an established technology
• Electronic Exams are also mature
• Combination of both along with learning analytics provides a platform for a
spatial e-exams based system
• Future work will trial usability of the system and effect on student learning
outcomes
• Future systems will further leverage the capabilities of mixed reality and e-
exams for a true digital authentic result
