Open-book exams: Under fire, DU lists ways to avoid online glitches

Open-book exams: Under fire, DU lists ways to avoid online glitches

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: 06.07.2020

A day after students had to deal with various glitches during the first day of mock tests for the much debated final open book examinations (OBE), Delhi University (DU) on Sunday tried to explain issues “based on inputs received from stakeholders and persons concerned with the OBE mode of examinations”.

Of the 14 queries answered by DU, the most common was the problem faced during finding question papers. The university’s examination branch said the problem was probably linked to the way students were looking for a specific question paper.

They were probably trying to get a specific question paper not available on the portal or searching with titles of subject/courses that were not in the system, the release stated. “Students may be advised that this is purely a mock test and any sample paper may be used for writing and they can take any paper of choice,” the exam branch said.

On students having problems with downloading question papers on their mobile phones, DU said the device must have internet connectivity and downloading features. Around 68% of the candidates registered through mobile devices, it pointed out.

“Students are advised to enter the correct name of the portal as notified by the examination branch and is available on the university website, and also to check internet and other requirements,” the release suggested.

On the portal taking 10-15 minutes to open, DU said this might be due to multiple users visiting the website multiple times without completing a past activity. The students have been advised to check internet connectivity while visiting the site/portal of examinations. “All messages and information at a particular button and related activities must be read before moving to the next activity,” it added.

The exam branch clarified that on the day of the examinations, students would be allowed to download their question paper. They will also have an extra hour for downloading question papers and uploading answer sheets. Students have been advised to follow instructions as the final exams are scheduled to begin on July 10.

ACT OF DISSENT: North Campus was vandalised by unknown people on Saturday night with ‘No to OBE’ graffiti painted on the signboards and college gates. While no one so far has claimed responsibility, a few students said the move was an outcome of the frustration they had been feeling with DU’s indifference to their concerns. DUSU president Akshit Dahiya said the union condemned all acts of vandalism. DU officials are yet to respond on the issue