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As Student Research Fellows, Alexander Wade from the UK and Ndume Eliya Nduelib from the Democratic Republic of Congo joined CODE to assist in a longitudinal study assessing the impact and student experience of online exams post-COVID-19.

CODE Student Fellows are ������Ƶ distance learning students who support CODE projects by carrying out specific tasks with the support of a CODE Fellow supervisor. Under the guidance of CODE Fellows Stylianos Hatzipanagos and Alan Tait, Alexander (BSc International Development, final year) and Eliya (MA Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Study, graduate) conducted remote interviews with peers from nine different countries.

They focused on:

• Accessibility;
• Software ease of use;
• Connectivity issues;
• Potential academic misconduct;
• Artificial Intelligence impact; and 
• Future assessment preferences. 

The students collaborated and compiled their findings into a detailed report. The study indicated strong support for continuing online assessments, with respondents agreeing that their qualifications' value remained unaffected by digitisation. 

The research also highlighted areas for enhancement, such as technical performance, privacy assurances, and timely communication. Unforeseen issues, like connectivity problems during the monsoon season and challenges for students in conflict zones, were also identified.

The SEDA/Jisc Student Partnership Impact award recognised the significant contribution of Alexander and Eliya and demonstrated how distance education can facilitate global student engagement in meaningful research and contribute to institutional policies. This accolade underscores the importance of providing partnership opportunities for distance learners to actively participate in research and scholarship activities. 

Dr Linda Amrane-Cooper, Director of the Centre for Online and Distance Education, said:

“I am delighted that the hard work of Alex and Eliya has been recognised with this prestigious award. By gathering, analysing and presenting the experiences and perspectives of students during assessment, Alex and Eliya directly informed the planning and operational developments of the ������Ƶ.

“They have contributed to improvement of the experience of our 30,000+ students who take examinations in the summer months. And they have gained important research and evaluation skills along the way.”