On 10 December 2016, the ‘first’ online examination phase (7 November- 10 December 2016) concluded successfully.  During this period, lecturers in collaboration with the Centre for Innovative Education and Communication Technologies (CIECT) Team, created online examinations within the iKamva platform.

NB: A total number of 116 online exams were hosted within the iKamva platform.

**A number of 1004 first year Psychology; and 21 Psychology Honours students engaged in online examinations.

Despite the overall success, certain challenges were experienced:

Example: Notably, on the 08th December, students and staff making use of the Internet Service Provider (ISP), Vodacom – experienced prolonged connection issues to iKamva and the UWC website.

**Other challenges included, ‘human errors’ where incorrect settings were applied by some lecturers to various exams, linked to the ‘Tests and Quizzes’ and ‘Assignment’ eTools.  This resulted in anonymous grading and marks were not linked to student numbers.  Some lecturers did not add the value/mark to the questions; and this resulted in all students receiving a zero.

The CIECT team appeals to all staff members to attend our training workshops. More importantly, contact the team before publishing an online exam.

***Did you know?

• 4 358 students accessed iKamva, on-campus; and
• 13 912 students accessed the platform off-campus during the first examination phase, 7 November to 10 December 2016.

*** Did you know?

• 533 staff members accessed iKamva, on campus; and
• 219 staff members accessed the platform off-campus off campus during the first examination phase, 7 November to 10 December 2016.

NB: The ‘second’ online examination phase will commence in January 2017.

Please contact the CIECT team to create your blended learning environment for 2017.

Lecturers across various faculties are making use of eAssessment and communication tools within iKamva, for the examination period, 07 November –10 December 2016.

A number of 116 online examinations have been designed and developed, and include the following types:

• Seventy three (73) take-home exams (papers were uploaded to the course resources section for students to download and submit accordingly);
• Thirty nine (39) online exams (test & quizzes); and
• 4 ePortfolios.

Students engaged in take-home exams across disciplines are expected to:

• Write reflective pieces;
• Engage with specific case studies;
• Complete mini-theses;
• Summarise;
• Critically engage and discuss concepts;  and
• Share perspectives and experiences in relation to specific topics.

The announcement tool within iKamva is used to notify students with regards to examination dates, venues and brief descriptions. These notifications are posted within iKamva and linked to student UWC Gmail accounts. Furthermore, lecturers requested students to develop ePortfolios. They were expected to submit the portfolio and share relevant resources, including lesson plans, activities, and examples of evidence in practice.

It should be noted that the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (CHS) designed and developed 19 online examinations, 7 take-home assignments and 3 ePortfolios for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Please contact the CIECT team to create your blended learning environment for 2017.