Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!decwrl!mcnc!ecsgate!seq!cosper From: cosper@seq.uncwil.edu (Kit Cosper) Newsgroups: comp.edu Subject: Re: Setting programming exams in Comp. Sci. courses Keywords: viability? experiences? Message-ID: <1615@seq.uncwil.edu> Date: 3 Jun 91 20:44:15 GMT References: Organization: Univ. of North Carolina @ Wilmington Lines: 21 As a Comp Sci student I find "online exams" as they call them here to be quite challenging, but above all, fair. You must take into consideration that there are only ~20 students per section and each section has its own time to take the exam. Most problems usually consist of a practical application of new material, although on occasion we are given "dirty" code that must be debugged. In this environment the Prof is able to keep track of things using the UNIX 'w' command, that way he can detect any attempts at dishonesty. Given the complexity of the course you mentioned and the number of students you are up against a much greater beast. For language courses, from a student's perspective, I think they are the BEST way to go. Kit -- Kit Cosper cosper@seq.uncwil.edu Donations of witty or thoughtful comments appreciated