Distance learners’ perceptions of online exams at tertiary level

Online assessment has been considered an effective assessment instrument since distance education was widespread in the context of higher education throughout the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many higher education institutions had to conduct online examinations as an alternative way of assessment. Although there were numerous studies on university students’ opinions about e-learning or distance learning there was not much research on their attitudes toward e-assessment. With this aim, the present study intends to understand undergraduate students’ attitudes toward online exams and compare their attitudes in terms of gender, major, and first-time takers of online exams. Sample of the study comprised 130 undergraduate students taking firstyear courses online through distance education from different departments of a university in Türkiye. The data were collected online and subjected to SPSS statistical analysis. The results displayed that distance students mostly had negative attitudes toward online exams. Individual features played a significant role in students’ attitudes toward online assessment regarding gender and their first online exam experience. However, major did not play a significant role in students’ attitudes.