Koli Calling 2024 - Paper Accepted - Transforming Computer-Based Exams with BYOD: An Empirical Study

We are excited to announce that our paper, “Transforming Computer-Based Exams with BYOD: An Empirical Study,” has been accepted for presentation at the Koli Calling International Conference on Computing Education Research in Finland this year!

This research tackles a pressing challenge in computing education: the constraints of traditional paper-based exams in assessing coding skills and technical knowledge. In response to these limitations, the study presents an innovative approach using Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) setups for computer-based assessments, supported by a custom-built “exam mode” in the Artemis learning platform. This feature is designed specifically for scalability, successfully handling exams with over a thousand students.

The presented approach enables a seamless exam experience on students’ personal devices, creating an environment closer to real-world settings. Throughout the study, involving 920 students across three large-scale exams, we gathered data that points to a clear preference among students for computer-based, BYOD-enabled assessments when working on programming tasks, where digital tools allow them to better demonstrate their skills. Students appreciated the opportunity to use their own devices, reporting that the familiar setup made the exam environment more comfortable and authentic.

Through this work, we contribute valuable insights into the use of BYOD configurations in computing education, promoting a paradigm shift that aligns assessment methods with the evolving needs of tech-focused curricula. We believe this research marks a significant step towards modernizing and improving the relevance of assessments in computing education.

We look forward to sharing this work with the computing education community and exploring further possibilities for enhancing assessments through technology!

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