Delhi University’s School of Open Learning (SOL) has introduced a series of significant changes to the internal assessment process for the 1st, 3rd, and 5th semester students in 2024. These updates aim to increase the fairness and integrity of the assessment by implementing stricter security measures. In this article, we’ll cover DU SOL 1st/3rd/5th Semester Internal Assessment Process 2024.
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Introduction to the New SOL Internal Assessment Process
The internal assessments for SOL students will begin in November, specifically for B.Com students. This time, the internal assessment process has been updated with stricter protocols to prevent cheating. These changes may present challenges, especially for those who have relied on conventional methods for their assessments in the past. Let’s dive into what’s new and what you should expect.
Why is Cheating More Difficult This Year?
One of the main objectives of SOL this year is to make cheating more challenging. To this end, SOL has taken several steps:
- Enhanced Portal Security: The internal assessment portal, “Pragyaan,” is now more secure. If a student attempts to minimize the assessment window or open another application on their device, the assessment will automatically submit, potentially leaving them with incomplete answers. This mechanism is intended to discourage students from seeking external resources during the assessment.
- Auto-Submission: If a student tries to access other applications or browsers on the same device, their session will automatically submit. This feature has been specifically designed to prevent the use of multiple devices or external resources during the test.
Due to these features, students must remain focused and avoid minimizing the window or using multiple devices while taking their assessment.
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Unique Question Sets for Each Student
In previous assessments, students with the same subject would often receive identical questions. This similarity sometimes allowed students to collaborate or compare answers with their peers. However, this year, SOL has expanded the question bank to create a larger pool of questions. Now:
- Different Question Sets for Same Subject: Each student will receive a unique set of questions, even if they are taking the same subject as their peers. For instance, two students with English as their subject will not have identical questions.
- Randomized Question Selection: The question set will be randomly assigned, so students cannot anticipate which questions they will receive, nor can they coordinate answers with others.
This individualized approach aims to make assessments more fair and reflective of each student’s understanding of the material.
What Security Measures Have Been Added?
In addition to the auto-submission feature and unique question sets, SOL has implemented several other measures to ensure that the internal assessments are secure and unbiased:
- Single Device Usage: Students are advised to use only one device for the assessment, as attempting to switch between devices may lead to auto-submission of the assessment.
- Monitoring of Browser Activity: The portal is sensitive to any unauthorized activity. For example, if a student tries to open a new browser tab or switch to a different application, it may detect this as a suspicious activity and submit the test automatically.
These security features aim to uphold academic integrity and ensure that every student’s performance is based on their understanding and preparation, rather than external assistance.
Preparation Tips for the SOL Internal Assessment
Given the strict measures in place, students need to adapt their preparation strategies. Here are some helpful tips:
- Complete Study Materials: Ensure you have all necessary study materials well in advance. Download resources beforehand if they’re available online, as you may not be able to access them during the assessment.
- Practice Time Management: Since you will need to stay on the portal continuously without interruptions, practicing timed mock tests can help you get comfortable with completing questions within a set period.
- Avoid Distractions: Choose a quiet environment for the assessment where you’re unlikely to be interrupted or tempted to check other devices.
- Technical Preparation: Ensure that your device is fully charged and connected to a stable internet connection. Having reliable technology will reduce the risk of accidental submission due to connectivity issues.
New Challenges with the Expanded Question Bank
The larger question bank means that students may encounter questions that require a deeper understanding of the subject. Relying solely on previous years’ question papers or attempting to memorize answers might not be effective under the new system. Instead:
- Focus on Understanding Concepts: Rather than memorizing answers, focus on understanding the core concepts, which will help you tackle any question that comes your way.
- Engage in Active Learning: Try explaining the material to a friend or studying in groups to deepen your comprehension of the topics.
- Revise Regularly: Regular revision can help reinforce your understanding and prepare you for a variety of potential questions.
Increased Difficulty of Scoring Maximum Marks
With the enhanced security and diverse question sets, scoring high marks may be more challenging. Students will need to dedicate more time to thoroughly understanding the material and practicing different types of questions to maximize their performance.
Final Thoughts: A More Secure and Fair Assessment Process
The changes in SOL’s internal assessment process reflect the institution’s commitment to academic integrity and ensuring a fair evaluation for all students. While these new measures may make it harder for students who previously relied on shortcuts, they ultimately aim to create a level playing field.
Key Takeaways:
- Stay on the Portal: Avoid minimizing the window or accessing other apps during the assessment.
- Single Device Policy: Use only one device and ensure it’s reliable.
- Prepare Diligently: With unique questions and a broader question bank, focus on in-depth study and understanding of concepts.
By adapting to these new protocols and focusing on genuine preparation, you can navigate the updated assessment process effectively.