A new online-examination system based on its “One Road, One Network, One Platform” strategy was launched by the Open University of China (OUC) in spring 2021, and has undergone two pilot stages of enhancement in April and June this year. It is now in preparation for its third pilot stage for the autumn 2021 final online examination.

The new system adds functions such as facial verification, flexible scheduling, automatic test-paper generation, smart test-paper distribution, online grading, and support for large-scale new-modal  examinations. The facial-verification technology is simple to use and highly effective at preventing cheating, while online grading of questions that require grader judgment greatly enhances efficiency and lowers management costs.

The system makes use of AI, big-data, cloud-computing and other technologies to promote digital transformation of the examinations and a higher quality of teaching and learning. At present, 24 examinations for 22 courses at 44 branches, with 100,000 students, are affected, while facial verification will be used for paper examination as soon as conditions allow.

By Yang Yafei, OUC