It is noticed recently, that a considerable number of physics Lecturers rely mainly on IT technology in their lectures and conduct all examinations online. I think, their action is not acceptable as far as a good asessement were concerned. Since Physics exams should contain Both Multiple choice and detailed questions of Physics.They do not bother marking the exam papers, because it is done by computer.
One of the biggest reservations about online testing for me is that we need to assess thinking rather than answers, problem-solving process rather than numbers. It doesn't teach anything about the real world of problem solving otherwise.
I have a friend who, as a computational physicist, worked as a systems engineer, and later a manager, building satellites and remote sensing systems. He had to teach his new engineers the problem solving process we learned in school in physics. Often they would bring him a number as an answer, having spent thousands of dollars of man hours finding it. It was worthless, because they could not adjust the parameters without repeating all the calculations. He similarly complains about their error analysis skills.
I don't think that physics wants to follow engineering in this.
Hi Fakhri,
I think the issue you are concerned about resides with the teacher rather than with the technology. It is possible to have online quizzes that are answered by a computer - but these quizzes would be just as limiting if they were marked by a person. It is quite possible to have detailed exam questions requiring thoughtful responses presented online - which a human would need to answer. I am not endorsing the computerised marking of qualitative answers. Regards, Kevin.
For the actual crisis, online physics examinations can be adopted Prof. Fakhri Abdul Salam Al-Ramadhan
To adapt appropriately, there are some VLP such as Khan Academy that offer physics courses with proven paths to examinations:
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Multiple choice questions are not without its drawbacks. You may want to check this RG discussion on a slippery multiple choice question concerning to the physics of a roller coaster:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/On-the-relationship-between-speed-and-time-have-the-standardized-tests-gone-too-far
For a RG discussion on the meaning of the 'online' (or 'on-line') terminology at this forum: https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_the_meaning_of_online_experimentation
I’ve been thinking the same thing. Some physics lecturers rely completely on online exams now, and while it’s more convenient, it doesn’t always feel like a fair way to assess deep understanding — especially for a subject like Physics that needs step-by-step problem-solving.
That said, online exams are here to stay, and I found it really helpful to get some support. I actually used LiveExamHelper.com when I was looking for someone to take my online Physics exam. Their experts know how to handle both MCQs and detailed problems, and they really helped me get through a tough spot — plus their rates were student-friendly.
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