Mangalore University opts for digital evaluation of answer scripts

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 17, 2020: Although the dramatically altered scenario in the educational sphere has resulted in ringing in many changes, students are likely to continue writing their examinations on paper, at least in the foreseeable future. However, Mangalore University is all set to digitise the evaluation process, wherein lecturers will examine scanned copies of the answer sheets. The answer scripts of all subjects will be evaluated at decentralised internet centres of educational institutions as against multiple evaluation centres for different subjects in Mangaluru city.

 

Mangalore University has successfully tested the method with answer scripts of its MBA students. With the varsity having scheduled examinations for the final semester of both undergraduate and postgraduate students from September 16, Mangalore University has identified 16 centres – four each in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kodagu, while four others have been identified as a contingency. Valuation of the answer scripts is expected to start in the first week of October.

Mangalore University registrar (evaluation) PL Dharma said that the varsity had named three nodal officers respectively for the three districts, who had been entrusted the responsibility of inspecting colleges that will serve as evaluation centres. “Colleges that offer BCA and MCA programmes have been chosen to serve as evaluation centres since they will have the advanced infrastructure needed for the purpose,” Dharma told TOI.

In light of the flood-like situation in Kodagu district, the university has made arrangements at alternative centres should it prove impossible for evaluation to be conducted at colleges in the hilly district, the registrar said.

Dharma said that, under the changed circumstances, the powers vested in the chairperson of the board of examiners for specific subjects ought to be delegated to senior lecturers in their respective districts. “We will discuss this possibility at a meeting later this week. Under the new set-up, younger faculty members who are better acquainted with computers may shoulder a greater share of the evaluation duties,” he said.

The Mangalore University syndicate has gisven its nod for the new evaluation model, and vice-chancellor PS Yadapadithaya is committed to changing processes that will benefit students, Dharma said. “But this is bound to eat into the varsity’s finances since we will have to provide assistance to colleges so they are equipped with the necessary infrastructure,” he said.


courtesy: TOI