What are the challenges of remote assessment in higher education in the context of covid 19 a case study of middle east college?

Challenges of Remote Assessment in Higher Education: A Case Study of Middle East College During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to remote learning and assessment in higher education, posing unprecedented challenges for institutions worldwide. This article examines the specific challenges faced by Middle East College during this period, highlighting the difficulties encountered and the measures taken to address them.

Academic Integrity

Enforcing academic integrity in remote assessments was a primary concern. The lack of physical supervision made it easier for students to engage in plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct. Middle East College implemented several strategies to mitigate this risk, including:

• Utilizing online plagiarism detection software
• Requiring students to submit webcam recordings during exams
• Implementing honor codes and integrity pledges

Unreliable Internet Access

Middle Eastern countries are known for their low internet penetration rates and unreliable internet connectivity. This posed a significant challenge for remote assessments, as students could potentially experience outages or slow speeds that would hinder their ability to complete assessments. To address this:

• The college provided students with access to on-campus Wi-Fi hotspots
• Extended assessment deadlines to accommodate connection issues
• Offered offline assessment options where possible

Incomplete Learning Outcome Coverage

Remote assessments often had to be adapted to fit the limitations of online platforms, which could lead to incomplete coverage of learning outcomes. Middle East College addressed this by:

• Revising assessment formats to focus on essential learning outcomes
• Utilizing a combination of synchronous and asynchronous assessment methods
• Providing additional learning materials and support to students

Student Engagement with Submission Deadlines

Student motivation and engagement with remote assessments were also a concern. Without the structure and accountability of face-to-face exams, some students may have procrastinated or failed to submit assignments on time. Middle East College implemented the following strategies to address this:

• Setting clear deadlines and expectations
• Providing regular reminders and updates
• Offering support and guidance to students who were struggling

Conclusion

Remote assessment in Middle Eastern colleges during COVID-19 presented significant challenges, including concerns over academic integrity, unreliable internet access, incomplete learning outcome coverage, and student engagement. Middle East College took proactive measures to address these challenges, demonstrating adaptability and innovation in the face of adversity. The lessons learned during this period can continue to inform remote assessment practices in higher education moving forward.