Challenges in Virtual Instruction and Student Assessment during the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

Most universities stopped face-to-face instruction in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and completed the spring 2020 semester through online instruction and assessment. The online courses continued in summer 2020, fall 2020, and spring 2021 semesters. Rapid transition to online courses posed challenges for both students and instructors. Some students lacked access to high-speed internet and had unstable internet connection during lectures and exams. A significant challenge for instructors has been to engage students in online activities and maintain academic integrity. This paper analyzes the challenges faced by students and instructors during the COVID-19 pandemic and the approaches adopted to overcome them. The paper describes alternative methods used to assess student learning and the use of online proctored exams. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2021