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5 Surprising Insights about the Online Exam Experience
May 9, 2025
Based on findings from a large-scale study published in the Australasian Journal of Educational Technology (2024)
As online assessments become more common across educational institutions and corporate training, understanding what truly impacts learners is key to building better testing systems. Here's what recent research revealed:
1. Tech issues aren't the most significant pain point
Only about a third of students' feedback was related to technology (e.g., platforms, webcams, connectivity). While often blamed, tech is not the main barrier to a positive exam experience.
Takeaway: Focus as much on pedagogy and environment as on technical reliability.
2. Exam design drives stress more than software
Students identified poorly designed exams — too many questions, unrealistic time limits, unclear instructions — as top stressors. Many felt that traditional exams don't reflect real-world thinking or learning.
Takeaway: Online exams must evolve beyond replicating paper tests.
3. Students prefer staying off campus
Negative comments about in-person exams increased 17x in one year. Returning to on-campus testing after lockdowns created unexpected anxiety, logistical challenges, and discomfort.
Takeaway: Flexibility and comfort matter more than ever.
4. Not all tech issues are equal
Students from diverse backgrounds faced unequal access to proper devices or strong internet at home and on campus. Even in exam halls, lack of peripherals or dead laptop batteries were frequent complaints.
Takeaway: Equity in assessment starts with tech preparedness.
5. Human support can make or break the experience
Invigilators and tech staff had a significant emotional impact—for better or worse. Friendly, responsive support helped students feel calmer and more focused, while poor communication did the opposite.
Takeaway: Support roles should be trained for both competence and empathy.
Source: Blondeel et al., Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 2024
The research is clear: Successful online exams depend on more than just tech—they require thoughtful design, robust support, and a student-centered environment.
At Quilgo, we’re building tools that address exactly that. Our platform enables secure, streamlined, and flexible assessment experiences for educators and learners alike.