Exams Network Conference 2024

Presentations

Professor Jonathon Powles, Vice-President Student Success, Central Queensland University

Title: Gutenberg's Mirrors and Pandora's Box: Why Assessment Will Never Be the Same Again.

Abstract:

The disruption to university models of assessment caused by the rapid emergence of generative AI is unprecedented in the experience of most of us. But is it so unusual? Taking the long view, we see that the assumptions we have made around teaching, learning and assessment have been continually and radically disrupted over the millennia for which modern universities have existed: most often by now-familiar events such as the emergence of new technologies or the arrival of a pandemic. Looking at the history of university assessment gives us tantalising hints about the positive way forward for us in our current bot-driven crisis.

Kylie Day - Manager, Exams & eAssessment, University of New England

Title: 'We prepare students for the real world' or 'what's the point of special assessment?'

Dr Tevita Topui - JP (Mr Tee), Chief Executive Officer, Lateral Plains Events Pty Ltd and Craig McFarlane, Vice President Australia & South East Asia, Pearson VUE

Title: Your Exams, Our Expertise: Now Supercharged with Pearson VUE Technology!

Lillias Tohi (Acting) Exams Manager, Arlino Djunaidi Team Leader and Oliver Mann Project Coordinator (Online Exams), University of Sydney

Title: Disrupting and Disrupted

Abstract:

In an era where the examination landscape is rapidly transforming, students and institutions are caught in the crossfire. This dynamic environment calls for vigilance, adaptability, and ethical mindfulness to ensure assessments continue to be fair, secure, and a true reflection of authentic learning. In this year’s presentation we will delve into:

From Digital to Analog: The Shift in Exam Formats

Witness the University of Sydney’s journey back to in-person exams - a move that addresses cheating and security concerns but poses challenges for the digital-native students.

Generative AI: A Double-Edged Sword

Generative AI and emerging technologies are offering streamlined grading and question generation. But what does the future of exams look like with the increase in the use of these tools and applications?

2024: A Year of Unforeseen Disruptions

Beyond technological shifts, 2024 has witnessed unexpected disruptions. Protests, building occupations, and unanticipated construction work have disrupted exam schedules. Learn how the University of Sydney adapted its exam operations in response to student protests and unplanned building work, underscoring the need for flexible contingency plans to alleviate student distress.

Jo Hopkirk, Manager Assessment Services and Elaine Bishop, Digital Assessment Technologist, Massey University

Title: Making Headlines

Abstract:

Who makes the news for running exams that go well? Massey University hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in June this year.

After 4 years of online invigilation the delivery system failed. What resulted was media hysteria fuelled with misinformation and opinionated rhetoric.

There are significant challenges and risks associated with online delivery. Does this mean the whole concept is wrong? The incident has given attention to what we have been operating with. It has been the catalyst for conversations about best practice and raises questions about the efficacy of exams. It has brought the student body further into the decision making process and has made the University work together to find solutions.

We had an interesting journey, join us to find out what happened and the reasoning around the decisions that were made. What did we learn and where to from here?

Joel Neilly, Senior Accounts Manager, BMS Group

Title: Enhancing face to face exams through Effective Collaboration

Mike Franklin, Support Officer, Exams & eAssessment, University of New England

Title: Workshop: Six Thinking Hats

Cory Clark, Vice President of Security, Quality & Training, Meazure Learning

Title: Are you curious about the latest threats to exam integrity and how you can prevent/detect them?

Abstract:

Join Cory Clark, VP of Security, Quality & Training, from Meazure Learning for an informative presentation on the increasingly sophisticated and prevalent cheating behaviors in test-taking. As the leader in live online proctoring, Meazure Learning invigilates over 5 million exams a year. We will be sharing insights into our learnings, trends, and best practices on how to detect, deter, and prevent cheating.

Kylie Day - Manager, Exams & eAssessment, University of New England

Title: Reducing the Noise: Streamlining Special Assessment to reduce workload and improve student experience

Seema Kaushal, Associate Director, Online Assessment & Integrity Services, Jesse Watts, Manager, Assessment Technology & Administration, Amrina Kazi , Manager, Assessment Scheduling, Kate Wrathall, Senior Assessment Advisor, Delivery Operations, and Dora Lambiris, Senior Assessment Advisor, Administration, Monash University

Title: Better, Smarter Together: Enhancing Student Experience through Stakeholder Engagement

Stephanie Toole, Manager, Learning Design, University of New England

Title: Shared Terminology and False Dichotomies: How the way we talk about exams impacts (our) value

Abstract:

University teaching, learning, and assessment were heavily disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and now face new challenges from the growing use and sophistication of generative artificial intelligence. Concerns about academic integrity, student misconduct and cheating have spilled out of university meeting rooms and into the headlines of news media around the world. Exams can play a crucial role in ensuring universities are able to mitigate such risks to academic integrity, and meet their regulatory requirements under the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 - but only if we have a clear and shared understanding about what exams are, what they aren’t, and how they (and us) uniquely add value in ways that other areas of universities cannot.

Grant Beevers, Senior Account Manager / Senior Solutions Engineer, Inspera

Title: Inspera

Sarah Thorneycroft, Director, Digital Education, University of New England

Title: Driving Under the Influence

Abstract:

Universities are complex organisations with structures and governance that can make it difficult for people to feel like they are part of the conversation. No matter what your role is, though, you can make use of agency and influence to change the game. This session offers some insight on ways to maximise impact and influence direction and decisions outside of formal lines of authority.

Barb Sheahan, Operations Manager, Databee Business Systems

Title: Striving for Operational Excellence

Abstract:

In today's demanding higher education sector, in a climate of tighter budgets and constant demands on resources, achieving operational excellence is paramount.

Databee explores how their new innovative solutions empower administrators to streamline workflows and staff management, automate tasks and optimise resources.

Discover how to improve staff efficiency, enhance collaboration, and ultimately, free up valuable resources for strategic initiatives. Learn how Student Assist can help your institution achieve more with less, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future.

But wait, there’s more…. Get ready to empower your workforce of Exam Supervisors! Databee will be unveiling their brand new app, designed to streamline management of your Exam Supervisors and boost engagement. This innovative tool allows Exam Supervisors to manage their schedules, update personal details, and accept shifts with ease. Plus, built-in notification reminders ensure they never miss a shift again. Join us for a sneak peek at this exciting new development that simplifies scheduling and empowers your Exam Supervisors!

Kylie Day - Manager, Exams & eAssessment, University of New England

Title: Workload & Well-Being

Trish Donald, Learning Media Producer, University of New England

Title: Workshop: Creatures as a Metaphor