By: Alyssa Chrizelle N. Miclat and Aneliza T. Tangonan
San Beda University-College of Law (SBU-COL) will now conduct the midterm and final examinations on Examplify software, used by the Supreme Court in the recent Bar examinations, for the first time.
To address the concerns of students on Examplify, SBU-COL conducted a general assembly via Zoom, which was facilitated by Administrative Officer Atty. Lyan Juanico, last September 24.
Atty. Juanico explained the rules that the students must observe before, during, and after the exams. The guidelines were laid down in a four-page memorandum released on September 28.
Prior to the orientation, practice or mock exams were conducted to allow the students to be familiar with the interface and to inspect their devices’ compatibility with Examplify. The last and fourth mock exam must be accomplished on or before October 1.
Addressing technical difficulties
The Law Student Government (LSG) conducted various polls to gather the concerns and technical issues encountered by the students while navigating through Examplify. Some of these problems were raised during the seminar.
Based on the first round of polls, complaints mainly revolved around the compatibility and performance issues of the students’ devices. There were 82 complaints on the installation of Examplify. There were students who did not have any compatible devices with the program. Some were also unable to download the first mock exam due to their browser and/or unsynced Canvas accounts.
After the second mock exam, the number of concerns have increased. The LSG received 89 complaints regarding missing exams and failed uploads. Fortunately, some students were able to troubleshoot on their own by refreshing their devices and restarting them, but this took a significant amount of time.
After the third mock exam, surveys are currently being circulated by the LSG to see if there are still technical difficulties and other related matters to be resolved. Another factor that is being considered are students who were affected by the recent Super Typhoon Karding.
A fourth mock exam was recently assigned to the students. No updates have been released with regard to those who have availed of the option to take the exam on-site or at the Mendiola campus.
Curbing academic dishonesty
When San Beda has adopted online learning brought about by the pandemic in 2020, the University has utilized Red Canvas. During the previous academic years, both the midterm and final exams were uploaded on Canvas.
There are notable differences between Canvas and Examplify. The stark contrast between the two programs is that Examplify is only accessible with Windows laptops/desktops, MacBooks, or iPads because of the minimum system requirements. Android devices are currently unable to meet such requirements.
Also, Examplify offers more additional security measures in upholding exam integrity. To further curb academic dishonesty, Examplify has automated artificial intelligence (AI) features wherein unusual human (student) behavior may be considered as suspicious activity. During the orientation, Atty. Juanico clarified that being “flagged” would not automatically result in disciplinary action.
Canvas requires internet connection. Unlike Canvas, Examplify automatically disconnects internet connectivity and prevents access to other applications to deter students from performing acts which would tantamount to cheating. However, Atty. Lyan Juanico assured the students that “due process will still be observed” in cases where a review of AI-flagged behaviors will be conducted.
Furthermore, students must download the actual exam file a day before the exam schedule for each subject. The same device used in downloading the exam must be the same device to be used on the actual exam schedule. In Canvas, students cannot download the exam.
Students are prohibited from leaving their devices while taking the exam. They also cannot use paper and pen. Examplify has a Note function that can be used to allow the students to draft their answers. Canvas has only one text box where students type their answers.
Once the student is finished and ready to submit the exam, Examplify immediately reconnects to the internet to upload the answers to the system. The student will see a green confirmation screen upon exiting the program.
The system will also upload a video of the student while taking the exam. Uploading such video must be accomplished by 10:30 PM on the same day of the exam. Failure to upload the answers and video within the prescribed period will amount to an automatic failing grade, without prejudice to any other sanctions that may be imposed upon the concerned student.
Examplify is the student interface for ExamSoft, which is a computer-based testing software and digital assessment platform. ExamSoft is also being used in other countries such as the United States.
THE BARRISTER 