Is an Online Exam Harder?

Last Fall, I offered my undergraduate students a choice: the could take the exam on paper OR the could take it online. The questions would be identical. The only difference would be the "medium". I was surprised to discover that more than 50% of students opted for paper. I tried the experiment again this semester -- with the same result.

This experience left me to wonder: Why would a so-called millennial student choose paper over a computer?

Below are my theories based on casual conversations with students and my observations during the exams:

• Students like to hold the exam in their hands to gauge the length of the test and to have indicators of space to determine the length of individual answers.
  
• Students like to flip through their exam to check their answers. Some students flip through 3 or 4 times before handing in the exam. While they can do this on the computer, it somehow doesn't "feel" the same to them.
  
• Students don't like the countdown timer ticking away the minutes. Even with a clock in the room where they take the paper exam, they don't feel as intimidated as they do looking at a digital clock telling them how much time is left.
  
• Students don't trust the technology. My guess is that this is the biggest barrier. They are afraid that they system will "crash" and they will lose their work and have to start over.
  

I wonder if this will change with the coming generations? Is it similar to my desire to hold a book in my hand and my reluctance move to an e-reader?

3 Tips for Presenting to an Empty Room

A few days ago, I created a 'pre-recorded webinar'. I sat in a room by myself and talked to my computer for 35 minutes. It was hard! I tried to put myself in the seat of the person who would have to listen and watch. Here's what I did to spice it up:

1. Humor
   
   I introduced myself and then pretended to introduce others who were attendees. I found some fun photos of people who I could introduce and welcome. Later on, I took questions from the audience and used silly photos (someone sleeping, for example) to make it fun.
   
   
2. Video
   
   I used my webcam at the beginning, middle, and end to make it more personal. Admittedly, the quality of the video and synchronization with my voice (in the recording) leaves a bit to be desired. However, I felt the visual connection with the participant outweighed these drawbacks.
   
   
3. Props
   
   I didn't think that a "talking head", some photos, and an occassional webcam video was enough to keep participants engaged. I went for "props" as a way to change things up. In the session, I discussed various microphones and headsets to connect to a computer. For props, I held different types of headsets and mics up to the webcam to "show versus tell". I also considered writing things on paper, using sticky notes, and other props that could be used at intervals but didn't try it this time.
   

What do you think of these techniques?

And what other ideas do you have for me to try the next time I pre-record a workshop, seminar, or class?