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A little bit of home… Festive traditions from around the world.

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Panettone - Italian Festive Tradition

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]With many of us now choosing to relocate to other countries to learn, work or explore, it is common for us to carry our culture with us to wherever we end up in the world.  This is certainly often the case during the Christmas season, where family and home are at the forefront of our minds.

Here at VICTVS headquarters, we are lucky to work with a great team of amazing people from all over the world.  So I sat down to talk to them about the festive traditions of their home countries, and to find out how they will incorporate them into their celebrations here in the UK.

Silvia Pellegri

Panettone - Italian Christmas“Of course being Italian, food is the main focus of many of our holiday celebrations!  The main meal tends to differ from region to region but is always eaten on Christmas Eve, and involves getting the entire extended family together for an hours long feast!  My favourite dish from my region, Emilia-Romagna, is Tortellini in Brodo (filled pasta in a rich broth) so I plan on making that for my partner and I on Christmas Eve this year, plus of course I have to have a Panettone to finish things off.  In Italy, we also celebrate Epiphany on 6th January which marks the day that the three wise men visited the infant Jesus with gifts.  On this date, children receive either white coal (made of confectionary) or real black coal depending if they have been good or bad, supposedly from the old witch, Le Bafana.”

Ramona Tudosa

“Although I am originally from Romania, I have lived in many places across the world including China, Italy and the UK, so I always like to try and adapt to the local celebrations over the holidays.  It always amazes me how similar celebrations are across the world wherever you are.  For example, it is very traditional in Romania around Christmas and New Years Eve for people to dress up in scary masks and walk the streets playing music and generally being as noisy as possible to ward away evil spirits.  This of course is very similar to how the Chinese celebrate New Year, with lots of noisy fireworks and firecrackers!

Food-wise, I do try and eat some of the traditional Romanian festive foods around Christmas time like Sarmale, Boeuf Salad and Cozunac (a sweet bread filled with chocolate, nuts and Turkish delight) but I also like to try things from other places I have lived.  This year for example I am going to add two Italian festive treats to my menu – Panettone for Christmas Day and Pandoro for New Year’s Eve for me and my partner to enjoy.”

Slavomira Zittova

Slovakia Christmas Tradition“A big thing that I miss about Christmas in Slovakia is the snow, the British weather just does not compare to where I grew up, in a town called Michalovce.  The Christmas season really starts on 6th December,  St Nicholas’ Day.  The evening before,  children clean their boots and leave them on the windowsill at night for St Nicholas (or Svaty Mikuláš in Slovakian) to fill with either coal or potatoes if they are naughty or sweets if they are nice.  In Slovakian towns, it is traditional on this day that someone will dress up as St Nicholas, accompanied by both an angel and a devil, and roam the streets giving small presents to children.  On Christmas Day itself, it is customary to start the meal with a Christmas wafer topped with honey and garlic to ward away bad spirits and welcome good health for the coming year.  I’ll be trying to keep this tradition before our meal in Leeds this year.”

Anastasiia Bondarenko

“Carolling is a huge part of the Christmas season in Ukraine, with children traditionally going house to house after their Christmas Eve meal singing carols and receiving small gifts or money from neighbours in return.  In fact, a very popular Christmas carol, Carol of the Bells, was composed by Ukranian composer Mykola Leontovych.  It is actually based on a Ukrainian folk chant known as ‘Shchedryk’ and we are very proud of it!  On Christmas Day itself, it is tradition to visit your godparents and take a dish called Kutya – which consists of grains, honey, poppy seeds, and raisins.  However, the biggest celebration of the holiday season for Ukrainians is New Year’s Eve, where at midnight every family lets off fireworks, and children find gifts underneath their Christmas Tree.  Now I am living in the UK, I can have both occasions with my family and have twice as many celebrations!”

We would love to hear about your festive traditions, so leave us a comment down below – and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our friends, wherever you might be celebrating this year![/vc_column_text][us_separator size=”custom” height=”40px”][us_post_author avatar=”1″ avatar_width=”128px” avatar_pos=”left” info=”1″][us_separator size=”custom” height=”30px”][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]    Share this article[/vc_column_text][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,linkedin,vk,whatsapp” counters=”hide”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Evolution of Professionalism. Seven things NOT to do if you want to be respected as a professional.

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Happy professional working remotely

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]You probably don’t need us to tell you that there has been a significant shift in 2020 in the way people are working and learning.  A recent survey suggests that over 46% of UK workers worked from home at some point this year compared with less than 30% in 2019.  This is a trend that has been replicated across the globe.  Take Twitter as an example, CEO Jack Dorsey announced in March of this year that all employees who wanted to could work from home indefinitely, and several other tech companies including Amazon, Google and Salesforce have all adopted long term or permanent work from home programmes. Happy professional working remotely

For some people, losing a formal office space and face to face interactions with their bosses, colleagues and clients will have dramatically changed the way they work, and may have caused them to lose sight of what being a professional truly means.  Demonstrating professionalism is key to a successful career according to top recruitment website Indeed.com, and continues to be be just as important in the age of remote working.

At VICTVS, every year we recruit, train and select thousands of new members of the VICTVS Global Network from all over the world, with many of them completing this process remotely.

So whether you just want to refresh your approach to remote work for 2021, or if you are looking for or starting a new role, we have put together this list of seven things that you should try to avoid if you want to be at your best in a remote work situation.

  1. Being too scared to ask questions.

For you to be able to deliver your work outcomes successfully, it is vital that you know exactly what is required of you in that specific role or more generally from your organisation.  If you feel unsure, or require some clarification then make sure to speak to your line manager as soon as possible.  It saves both you and them time and is much more efficient than simply ignoring their instructions or moving ahead blindly.  Asking questions shows that you are taking your responsibilities seriously, are looking to deliver to a high standard and most importantly that you care about the outcome.

  1. Saying you are going to do something, but then not doing it!

Being professional means saying you will do something, and then delivering.  It also means being realistic about your workload and learning to say ‘No’ if you will be unable to deliver on time or to the required specifications (see point one).

It is also essential that your work is completed on time, without the need for reminders.  If a colleague, your employer, or worst of all a client, has to chase you constantly for your work, it will appear that you either did not listen to their original instructions, or that you simply do not care about the quality of your work.  Our Global Operations Manager, Liz Sewell has the following advice:

“I find the best way to deliver on what is being asked of me is to action a task there and then rather than waiting a couple of days and risking that I forget what I need to do!  I reply to emails as I receive them, even if it is initially only to give a timeframe of when I will complete the task by.  If I cannot realistically complete a task straight away, I make a note to remind me to do it.  Diaries, online organisers and checklists are my best friends in the global workplace!”

Professionals make mistakes too!

  1. Covering up your mistakes and hoping that nobody notices.

Everyone makes mistakes.  It can be tempting, (especially if you do not have a boss watching over your shoulder), to hope that it will go away without anyone noticing.  This is never a good strategy.  Being a professional means owning up to your mistakes, but at the same time working to provide a solution.  Great professionals use mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.  So, the next time you make a mistake, ask for constructive feedback and use that to make sure the same mistake does not happen again.

  1. Being negative, rude and uninterested.

This one may seem obvious, but having a positive attitude will not only make your working day better, but according to one study, will also increase your productivity.  Being polite and courteous is one of the best ways  to appear professional.  One key part of being polite that we could probably all improve, is focusing on the person you are talking to.  Whether on the phone, video call or in person, give them your undivided attention.  Try to be mindful of the danger of getting distracted by instant messages, notifications on your phone, emails, or your cat walking into the room.

  1. Turning up to video calls in your pyjamas.

Now that many client and staff meetings are happening over video conferencing, it is easy to feel that they are not as important as if they were taking place in real life.  A true professional knows that these meetings are just as important as an in-person conference.  Ramona Tudosa, Global Operations Manager at VICTVS has this suggestion:

“Prepare for the call!  So many people don’t even know why they are on a specific call, and it is a waste of time for everyone involved if they are not prepared.  This includes having the link to Zoom / Teams / Skype ready – it doesn’t give a good impression leaving everything to the last minute and delaying the start of the call.”

Your own appearance and the view over your shoulder says a lot about you.  Professionals know the importance of choosing a suitable workspace in which to conduct their video calls.  They also make sure that their appearance is right for the situation – meaning you can still wear your fluffy slippers, so long as no one else will see them!

  1. Mixing personal and professional lifeBlurring the lines between your personal and professional life.

Working from home has blurred the line between your work and living spaces in a physical sense, so inevitably the line between the personal and professional in other areas of your life might start to blur too.  Professionals know that the appearance of your online persona is just as important as your appearance on a video call.  So consider carefully whether you wish to make social media and other personal online profiles private – or at least ensure you would be happy for a client to read your latest Twitter post, re-tweet or like!

  1. Communicating, like, really badly.

Good communication skills are essential to the success of any professional.  With the number of ways to communicate rapidly expanding – from video calling and team messaging, to WhatsApp and email, a true professional knows when and how to adapt their style of communication to fit the medium.

For example, in an era of email overload, keep your emails short and concise, but do not forget to be polite (see point four…).  If you don’t know the person you are emailing well, then err on the side of formality, and don’t include that smiley emoji.

Change brings opportunity

New ideas and practices challenge us to develop as professionals and help to keep our work interesting.  However, equally important is having the ability, and humility, to monitor ourselves, to refer back to the basics of true professionalism, and maintaining a commitment to actively improving our skills throughout our working lives.

Of course, these are just a few things that we should all  be mindful of as professionals working as members of the connected global workplace.

We would love to hear your thoughts, ideas and experiences of how you navigate the international working landscape in the comments below.[/vc_column_text][us_separator size=”custom” height=”40px”][us_post_author avatar=”1″ avatar_width=”128px” avatar_pos=”left” info=”1″][us_separator size=”custom” height=”30px”][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]    Share this article[/vc_column_text][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,linkedin,vk,whatsapp” counters=”hide”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Remote invigilation for chess!

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Man playing chess with remote invigilation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A recent article in UK newspaper The Guardian, discussed the increasingly common phenomenon of cheating in high-stakes chess games.  Chess is one of the world’s most popular games with Chesshistory.com explaining that estimates of the number of global players vary from a few hundred thousand, to a billion!

Man playing chess with remote invigilationAs with any highly competitive activity, the stakes in chess are high.  Professional chess tournaments attract prizes of tens of thousands of dollars, as well as bringing fame and prestige to victorious players.

These rewards can attract cheats.

With chess games increasingly being played online over platforms like the excellent Chess.com, the question arises of how best to ensure that players are not cheating or engaged in any nefarious activity in order to gain an advantage over an opponent.

In common with a high-stakes exam setting, the strictly controlled environments of professional chess tournaments require players to be monitored at all times by independent, qualified adjudicators.  But with chess games occurring online, with players in different parts of the world – often playing from home, the question arises of how best to moderate high-stakes competitions under these conditions.

One answer is remote invigilation for chess.

Technology can now allow both players to access a secure gaming session within a remote invigilation platform like VICTVS V3; wherein an independent, professional invigilator will host the match and ensure that both players’ conduct is in keeping with the agreed rules.

Someone watching chess - invigilationEnvironmental checks allow the invigilator to make sure that no cheat sheets, prompts, or other forms of assistance are to hand to either player.  ID checks, high-definition video and audio recording along with options for private audience viewings, can add to the integrity of the competition and to the quality of the remote gaming experience for the players and fans.

Remote invigilation for chess is a new, digital response to an age-old, analogue phenomenon that has found its way into online competition.  Whilst online chess games might not replicate the atmosphere of an in-person match or tournament, they are a fantastic part of the evolution of a sport that brings together people from all over the world, and it is a great thing to be able to use our online technology to support the spirit of fair competition.

To speak to us about booking a VICTVS invigilator for your match or for more information on remote invigilation for chess, please contact us on victvs@victvs.co.uk or call +44 (0) 113 539 7056.[/vc_column_text][us_separator size=”custom” height=”40px”][us_post_author avatar=”1″ avatar_width=”128px” avatar_pos=”left” info=”1″][us_separator size=”custom” height=”30px”][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]    Share this article[/vc_column_text][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,linkedin,vk,whatsapp” counters=”hide”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The VICTVS podcast is coming…

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]We are very pleased to announce the launch of the VICTVS podcast, a new podcast covering international work, cross-cultural communication, global trade and commerce and how all of these things affect individuals and communities.

Each month, we will be meeting with friends, colleagues and expert guests to discuss topics related to the evolution of the connected global workplace, and sharing our journey with you.

You can subscribe to the VICTVS podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, as well as finding each new episode her on our podcast page.

If you have any ideas for topics, guests or features that we should include, please send us a message!

You can watch our podcast trailer below.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2230px%22%2C%22padding-left%22%3A%2210px%22%2C%22padding-top%22%3A%2210px%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%2210px%22%2C%22padding-right%22%3A%2210px%22%2C%22box-shadow-blur%22%3A%224px%22%2C%22box-shadow-spread%22%3A%224px%22%2C%22box-shadow-color%22%3A%22%23333333%22%7D%7D”]JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTVCdmlkZW8lMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjEwODAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIxMDgwJTIyJTIwbXA0JTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ5b3V0dS5iZSUyRk0tNFJJX0o2Zi1nJTI2cmVsJTNEMCUyMiU1RCU1QiUyRnZpZGVvJTVEJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF[/vc_raw_html][us_separator size=”custom” height=”40px”][us_post_author avatar=”1″ avatar_width=”128px” avatar_pos=”left” info=”1″][us_separator size=”custom” height=”30px”][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]    Share this article[/vc_column_text][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,linkedin,vk,whatsapp” counters=”hide”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Climate change, flooding, and getting the job done. The VICTVS Global Network in Egypt.

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Recent years have seen increasingly frequent incidents of extreme weather conditions afflicting huge amounts of damage – including human casualties – all over the world.  Cited by experts as being a consequence of global warming, the effects of wildfires, droughts, flooding and more, are particularly severe in areas that historically have not had to contend with them.

In March of this year, Egypt was hit by a devastating storm nicknamed locally as ‘the Dragon’.  The wind and rain combined, uprooting trees, destroying buildings and leading to two trains colliding near Misr Station.

As the rain poured down, flash flooding hit many areas, turning both wealthy and poor neighbourhoods into raging torrents of brown water.  All schools, universities and hospitals were closed, work in businesses and government offices suspended.  Flooding caused the countries’ train service to be cancelled nationwide, with blackouts occurring across Cairo and the rest of Egypt.

Witnessing the damage first-hand, was Dalia el Sadek, member of the VICTVS Global Network who has worked with us for nearly two years.  Dalia is an experienced exams professional with a passion for education and the type of quiet determination that can carry a person through adversity with minimal fuss.

On the day after the Dragon hit hardest, VICTVS was tasked with delivering a professional exam in Egypt.  With the infrastructure damage and the severely restricted options for travel, it seemed that this might be one of the extremely rare occasions in which we would not be able to complete our task and that we would need to re-schedule for another day.  Fortunately for us, the community that is our global network is not easily phased.

“I received a call the day before a scheduled exam to let me know that another exam manager was stranded in Maadi (a district of Greater Cairo) due to the flooding, and would not be able to deliver the exam herself. I was asked if I would be able to go instead?”

Considering her options and the obvious disruption around her, Dalia agreed to head out into the remnants of the storm to see how far she could go.  The first step was to retrieve the exam documents from the previous exam managers home.

“I should have checked with her what the situation was like before I set off.  The conditions were horrible, with water starting to fill up the streets – I was stuck for two hours on my way to her.  But I was committed, and I had told my Regional Manager that I would do this so, I will do it no matter what!”

After negotiating with her driver to navigate the flooded streets, Dalia eventually managed to reach her destination.

“When we eventually reached the house, the water was so high, I could not leave the car to even shake hands – she had to throw the package of papers through the window of the car!”

Exam documents retrieved and checked; the impact of the flooding was not over yet – it also affected several candidates on the day of the exam due to the extreme travel disruptions across the country.

“Two candidates arrived late after travelling for 14 hours overnight.  We made sure to give them an opportunity to have a rest, and to eat and drink something before taking their examinations.”

The determination, professionalism and courage that Dalia showed in heading out into a flood-stricken city just to ensure that a group of strangers who she had never met, had their chance to sit for career essential exams, is a real testament to her character and bravery.  Her commitment to VICTVS and readiness to support her teammates in the local area are the exact value that we look for in members of our global community and it is inspirational to see them displayed so vividly.

We are constantly recruiting new members to the VICTVS Global Network all over the world.  If you think that you would like to be a member of our team, then please visit our jobs page to see our current opportunities or send a copy of your CV / resume and a covering note to us at recruitment@victvsglobal.com.[/vc_column_text][us_separator size=”custom” height=”20px”][us_post_author avatar=”1″ avatar_width=”128px” avatar_pos=”left” info=”1″][us_separator size=”custom” height=”30px”][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]    Share this article[/vc_column_text][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,linkedin,vk,whatsapp” counters=”hide”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

21st century exams. How to give a candidate a better exam experience.

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Happy exam taker

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Having recently been on the candidate side of the exam experience after taking the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner qualifications this summer, I have put together a list of seven aspects of the candidate experience that I think should be key considerations for people working in exam delivery.

Too often the exam experience for the candidate seems to be an afterthought or a continuation of the tradition of an exam simply being a case of ‘get what you’re given’.  But times are changing and some awarding bodies and exam providers are now responding to the changing nature of candidate expectations.

Below are some of my thoughts on things that matter most to modern learners who are taking an exam.

 

  1. Ensure the exam format supports peak performance

Due to the recent lockdown in England, my PRINCE2 exams (which ordinarily would be delivered in a physical test centre), took place online using remote invigilation software.  Whilst seemingly straight forward in the beginning, with software downloaded to my device and tested in advance of my exam date, my first attempt to take the exam was thwarted due to the fact my webcam did not meet the exam providers specifications!  Frustrated, I had to wait a full week, and to buy a new webcam from Amazon, before I could attempt the exam again.  This meant more revision, setting aside more time in my schedule, and psyching myself up again for an exam all over again.

It is important to consider where an exam is taking place – does it need to be in a controlled exam environment or can students complete it using a remote invigilation option?  Is it a computer based exam (CBE) or is it paper-based?  The former might require specialist equipment or software whilst the latter means distribution of secure materials.  How do you ensure the security of those materials?  Will the exam only be available at certain times / dates or will it be available on demand for students whenever they are ready to take the exam?  Consideration of resources in the exam location is also important – consider our recent example where candidates arrived for a computer based exam and our invigilator found that many of them had little experience using a computer keyboard…

  1. Make accessing the exam as simple as possible

Once you have settled on an exam format, you should make sure that candidates are familiar with this as soon as possible and that the format is well understood.  This means ensuring that the time, date, and location (whether physical or virtual) are clearly communicated with candidates as far in advance as possible.  It also means that candidates know exactly what materials they are required to bring and exactly what ID verification process they will be going through.  Take note of any special requirements candidates might have when verifying their identification – such as the need for an invigilator of the same sex.

In my experience, accessing the exam (with new webcam in hand) was simple enough, and I was asked to show my passport plus confirmation of my new married name before I could gain access.  Some classmates found the experience less seamless, with several having to switch between devices – creating a panicked start in an already stressful environment.  Within my class of 20, only one person managed to run the actual exam on their first attempt – either due to tech failures, inappropriate surroundings (a clear desk was required), or inadequate information.

  1. Think about who is invigilating your exam – the technical perspective

Exam managers, invigilators and administrative staff are integral parts of your candidate experience as they will be the ones delivering exams on your behalf.  Recruitment and training of staff is imperative to ensure that the quality, security, and integrity of your assessments is upheld.   Consider that as more and more exams are moving to be computer based – the ability to solve technical IT problems with software and hardware becomes more important to ensuring a smooth and easy experience for your candidates.

  1. Think about who is invigilating your exam – the human perspective

Over the course of the two examinations needed to complete the PRINCE2 qualification, I had two wildly different experiences with the remote invigilators (remote proctors).  One was terse and unhelpful, whilst the other was friendly and supportive.  Both gave me the same practical information, but it really highlighted the impact the person delivering the exam had on my overall experience.

As important as it is for exam staff to know about the technical aspects of your examination, it is just as important that they have the right skills to provide flawless customer service to your candidates.  This might start with simply appearing cool, calm, and confident in their roles as this instils confidence in your candidates that they are in safe hands throughout this stressful time.  Be aware that candidates will be nervous about taking examinations, no matter how many times they may have done them, so having an organised invigilator with a smile will help to take the edge off.  With that said, all exam staff are human, so it is also important to ensure there is a robust support system in place, which is easily accessible by exam staff 24/7.

  1. Making the exam environment pleasant

So, you have chosen an exam format, hired staff, and let the candidates know all the details of their assessment.  But if the physical exam venue itself is wrong – all your good work could be undone!  When selecting and potentially accrediting test centres, it is important to put yourself in a candidate’s shoes.  Is the room too hot or too cold?  Is the seating/desk space adequate for the exam?  Is all necessary equipment present and well maintained?  Is the lighting in the room good?  Is there excess noise that could distract candidates?  Whilst it may not be possible to manage all these factors, each contribute to ensuring that exam success is the only thing your candidate must be worried about.

Taking my exam at home meant that I was able to control many of these factors myself – however I count myself incredibly lucky that I have a dedicated office space, where I could close the door and take the exam with as few distractions as possible.   That is not the case for all candidates for online examinations, with access to a suitable environment being a huge barrier to online examinations – we explored this further in our previous blog.

6. How comfortable is your candidate?

In addition to providing a pleasant exam environment, it is also important to consider the facilities available to your candidate when under exam conditions.  If the exam is lengthy – what is the process for accessing a bathroom?  A recent example from the Bar Professional Training course highlighted exactly what not to do in this situation.  Do exam takers have access to water or snacks during the exam?  As more and more exams have been taken online over recent months – considering how to replicate the experience of being in a test centre in people’s own homes is crucial, and protocols and practices need to be updated to reflect this.

  1. What happens after the exam?

Once time has been called at the end of an exam, it is easy to think that your responsibility for the candidates’ experience is now over, but there are still plenty of questions to consider.  How long will it take for results to be returned?  What happens if there is a dispute over the grade?  What happens if a candidate needs to re-sit?  Equally important is considering how and when you are gathering feedback from exam candidates about their experiences, and if there are systems in place for acting on this feedback if needed.

 

Considering the mixed experience that I had with my exam provider, I was not offered any opportunity to provide formal feedback, which, as a customer did, not make me feel valued or likely to recommend the experience to colleagues or friends.  So instead I chose to write this blog instead.

No matter how experienced or accomplished your candidates might be, or from which professional background, exam taking is stressful.  By creating an optimal exam experience from start to finish, candidates are happier, more relaxed, and able to focus on the task at hand – passing your assessment.  It is important to consider candidate experience throughout the whole assessment life-cycle, from selecting and accrediting test centres through to training staff, and finally providing the opportunity to give and receive feedback after an exam has finished.

If you have had an interesting, unusual or outstanding exam experience, or have any ideas based on the things that I’ve mentioned above, why not leave a comment below?[/vc_column_text][us_separator size=”custom” height=”20px”][us_post_author avatar=”1″ avatar_width=”128px” avatar_pos=”left” info=”1″][us_separator size=”custom” height=”30px”][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]    Share this article[/vc_column_text][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,linkedin,vk,whatsapp” counters=”hide”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The end of exams as we know it…

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ordinarily at this time of year in England, newspapers would be full of smiling teens jumping for joy and clutching envelopes full of GCSE, AS and A-Level results.  However, COVID-19 and the resulting lockdown has had a major impact on this annual ritual (among many others of course), with these end of years exams having been cancelled.  Traditionally, it is these end of term examinations that determine the overall grade for each chosen subject, however this year they were due to be replaced by an algorithm adopted by exam regulator Ofqual.  These new ‘centre assessment grades’ – defined by the Department for Education as:

‘the grade they would be most likely to have achieved had exams gone ahead – taking into account a range of evidence including, for example, non-exam assessment and mock results.’

have been received with scepticism and have forced awarding bodies across the UK to reassess how they are grading this year’s students.

Poorly received

A similar marking and adjustment scheme was used by the Scottish Qualifications Authority to assess students taking their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher certificates and when results were announced earlier this month, accusations of unfair marking, and potential bias towards disadvantaged students were rife.  This meant that more students that ever were relying on the appeals process to get what they felt was a fair result and led to a public apology from Nicola Sturgeon on the matter.

Hence in England, there has been last minute U-turn, with ministers announcing the day before AS and A-level results were due to be released that students who are unhappy with their grades can choose to use mock exam results instead.

So, does this year of forced experimentation around alternative assessment routes reveal anything about the role of the exam in the future of education?  One option touted as the solution to the current exam problem are online examinations.

Whilst online exams (also known as e-assessments) have been taking place for years, the current global crisis has catapulted the topic into headlines across the globe, with some organisations quickly opting to adopt the technology to conduct end of year examinations.  So, let’s explore the benefits and challenges of using this technology.

Benefits

Location – Online examinations can be taken anywhere, as long as there is a suitable device and an internet connection.  Many online examination providers ask for further conditions such as being the only person in the room and having a clear desk to avoid any accusations of academic misconduct.  The benefits of this more flexible location means that students do not have to travel to exam centres or schools (with the associated environmental benefits) but can take examinations from the comfort of their own home, or office for professional qualifications.

Accessibility – Reduced reliance on traditional exam halls and test centres mean that students with disabilities or special learning needs can be more easily accommodated.  This can range from reduced stress due to unfamiliar environments, to better access to specialist facilities within their own home than a traditional test centre in their area might have.  Additionally, the online nature of these exams means that they can be adjusted more easily for different needs (such as increased font size, differing coloured backgrounds etc.) compared to pen and paper tests.

Digital first – Much of modern learning is now completed via computers, so some argue that switching back to pen and paper tests actually set test takers at a disadvantage.  This coupled with the time and costs savings made by awarding bodies and exam administrators by not having to print, distribute and mark paper-based exams explains why online and computer-based examinations are becoming increasingly popular.

Challenges

Academic dishonesty (aka cheating) – One of the most frequently raised objections to online examinations, especially those being undertaken in private spaces are the opportunities available to cheat the system.  Most e-assessment systems include measures to counter this, including ID verification, multiple camera room observation and AI eye tracking systems.  Commonly, online or remote proctors are used to assess and continually observe the exam taker’s environment and look out for any additional notes, people or dishonest behaviour, much as they would in an in-person exam.  However, there are a plethora of articles, blog threads and YouTube videos showing how dishonest candidates might circumvent these security measures, so some doubt is still cast on the integrity of these exams.  A number of awarding bodies have also reported an increase in pass rates since the adoption of remote invigilation.

Candidate privacy – The need for all the technology outlined in the previous point, including access to student’s cameras and computer has understandably raised questions about privacy and data protection.  Whilst the companies providing online exams are producing detailed policies and procedures, incidents of data breaches are still being reported.

Inclusivity – Whilst in many ways online examinations have make the assessment process more inclusive, it is also important to consider the ways in which this type of assessment might exclude certain candidates if it were to be made mandatory.  Starting with access to the basic technology and internet connections which not all students may have, it’s also important to consider that some students might not have access to a private space to conduct an online exam, or the required quiet/calm situation needed to perform to the best of their abilities.  Additionally, there have been concerns raised that some AI based exam systems are unintentionally biased against certain ethnicities.

A return to normality

As lockdowns are starting to be lifted, we are seeing a big return to large-scale examinations being taken in venues around the world.  Whilst online examinations might have seen an upturn during 2020, we expect that exam venues and test centres will still be key in coming years for providing a high-quality exam experience to candidates.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]    Share this article[/vc_column_text][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,linkedin,vk,whatsapp” counters=”hide”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

VICTVS ISO 9001 Certification

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%2220px%22%7D%7D”]We are pleased to announce that VICTVS has been awarded ISO 9001 certification.

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised quality management standard that helps organisations to ensure the quality of all aspects of their business.

To gain this certification, VICTVS’s quality management systems and procedures were validated through an independent, external audit.  This audit required VICTVS to demonstrate our existing quality management system, and our commitment to continual improvement as the company continues to grow.

As a global company working with thousands of people in more than 170 countries, we recognise how effective quality controls depend on well designed, relevant and actionable systems.  We also understand that our commitment to the highest standard of service delivery provides real-world benefits to our clients and service users.

Quality management is vital for any growing organisation and the consequences of getting this wrong are rapidly reflected in the reviews of service users.

Commenting on the award, our Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Gregory said, “The award of ISO 9001 certification to VICTVS is an endorsement of the dedication that our Ops teams have to every aspect of their work. Indeed, we are the only organisation that the independent external auditor has ever granted this award to without requiring any recommendations for improvement.”

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What is an invigilator? Invigilation 101

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VICTVS invigilators provide secure exams

[vc_row][vc_column css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-top%22%3A%2270px%22%7D%7D”][vc_column_text]We regularly receive messages from all over the world asking about the work that our invigilators do to deliver global exam programmes.  So we decided to put together this page to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we are asked.

What is an invigilator?

Invigilators (or proctors as our friends in the US call them), are exam-day personnel who are employed to ensure that exams are carried out in controlled conditions, and that the exam candidates all receive an equal opportunity to perform at their best during the assessment.  Good invigilators provide support and encouragement to candidates, helping to minimise exam day stress for candidates wherever possible.  Invigilators also play a key role in ensuring that there is no cheating, bribery or malpractice during the examinations which could undermine the integrity of the qualifications.

What skills do you need to be an exam invigilator?

The role of an exam invigilator requires excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate effectively and professionally, great organisational and administrative abilities, and real attention to detail.  The ability to efficiently work under pressure and manage time is crucial to the position because invigilators can often find themselves multitasking – supervising examinations and enforcing regulations in the event of any malpractice incidents.

What does ‘invigilated exam’ mean?

An invigilated exam is an exam that requires an invigilator to supervise the candidates before, during and after the assessment, to ensure that the exam is carried out under controlled conditions.

How do I become an exam invigilator?

Exam invigilators do not necessarily need any experience in the industry – detailed training should be provided by your employer.  What we look for in potential invigilators, are transferable skills (listed above) that you can apply during your work at invigilated exams.  VICTVS has an intensive training and selection programme for invigilators that fully assesses skillset, attitude, professionalism and suitability for the role.

What qualifications do you need to be an invigilator?

You do not need any specific qualifications to work as an invigilator however degree level education or equivalent is often beneficial.  At VICTVS, we provide role-specific training to all invigilators and exam day staff – all of which is assessed to a set standard.  If you are successful in completing our training, you will be awarded VICTVS Assured Invigilator status.

Can anyone be an exam invigilator?

Yes, anyone can be an invigilator so long as they have the skills, commitment and passion to support people who are attempting to change their lives through education.

What is the difference between an ‘invigilator’ and a ‘proctor’?

There is no difference between an invigilator and proctor.  The use of these terms to describe exam management staff varies depending on which country you are in.  Proctor is the common name for invigilator in the United States.

Are all exams invigilated?

No, not all exams are invigilated.  However, high-stakes exams conducted by educational establishments, training institutions and awarding bodies are usually invigilated to protect the integrity of their qualifications.

What is Remote Proctoring?

Remote Proctoring uses technology to allow students to sit exams remotely.  This is often done through a web-based interface that provides remote monitoring either by a human being or by a video recording of student behaviour during a test that is analysed later.  Remote Proctoring platforms often employ eye movement tracking, and rudimentary artificial intelligence to monitor candidate behaviour.

 

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If you have any questions or comments that you would like to add to this discussion, please post them below.

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Digital Evolution – the Top 5 EdTech Trends in Nigeria for 2020

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The rise of EdTech

Educational technology (EdTech) is currently one of the fastest growing sectors of digital technology as its value rapidly propagates across continents.  A smartphone, internet connectivity and an uninterrupted power supply are the only resources that you need to gain new qualifications, certifications and skills since EdTech allows learners to be exposed to the most relevant content and resources online in the most uncomplicated form.

This global phenomenon is expected to generate approximately $252 billion by 2020!  The rise of this new digital wave has had a positive impact in Nigeria as there has been a significant growth in EdTech start-ups who have performed exceptionally well despite the technological challenges faced within the region.  No longer being restricted to a traditional educational setting, professionals looking to further their CPD have benefited significantly from the proliferation and development of EdTech start-ups in Nigeria.  Given the fast-paced evolution of digital technology, the below 5 trends will be paving the path to advance EdTech presence in Nigeria.

Artificial Intelligence

Having already been a crucial part of the EdTech discourse in recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to play a significant role in the industry during 2020 and will be used as a tool by training providers who want to augment their services in Nigeria.  AI as a learning tool is just one of the ways that education technology can utilise the potential that this resource harbours.  The value of AI is enhanced when you consider how it is an independent resourceful tool that allows for individualised learning with feedback delivered in real-time.  Likewise, there is already an increase in AI-powered apps and programs that learners are using to understand and apply concepts more effectively.  All this will support the provision of outstanding educational contributions since it will be used to personalise and tailor learning to individual needs in the coming years.

New Media

Collaborative EdTech tools that support online learning over platforms which promote peer-to-peer engagement, chatbots, blogs and apps are all looking to be big trends in 2020.  This will enable professionals to use chat tools they are familiar with for a more personalized online learning experience.  Groups can be created in Learning Management Systems to enhance engagement (among trainers and trainees) and to give and receive constructive feedback.

Video-based learning which is great for background information and condensing material will prominently feature just like mobile applications.  The infusion of mobile technology with education presents a multitude of opportunities, expanding the use of exemplars for how and where professionals can learn and consume information with little to no stress.  This increasingly mobile, virtualised and geographically dispersed approach to education, affords educational providers the ability to be more collaborative, productive and readily available to professionals in the corporate environment.

Data-Driven Institutions and Learning Platforms

Online learning platforms and institutions are making learning more convenient for students by enhancing educational digitisation and significantly reducing long-term costs.  Recognising the benefit that data offers, training providers are now making the most of the power of data to help with retention and student success.  Leveraging data allows training consultants and tutors to identify the difficult areas to provide valuable solutions.  These data-driven decisions enable educational offerings to be tailored to meet the needs of particular demographics, which makes for a better learning experience.  In this instance, the trainers become facilitators who lead adult learners to higher quality online learning sessions, where learners can empower themselves to learn.  The convenience of having all the educational resources needed on one platform, with a support network of educators and peers to provide a motivational boost, gives professionals the freedom and flexibility that they need to thrive.

This liberation is provided by interactive digitised curricula that will be part of data-driven institutions and online platforms in 2020 and beyond. As a result, adult learners will be provided with a more meaningful, convenient and personalised learning environment.

Online Assessments

Online assessments are at the heart of the learning process in today’s society; however their success has remained consistent over the past years and this will continue to be executed in Nigeria. Online assessments are flexible, customisable, interactive, secure and swift to deliver.  This is primarily how they have enabled a major shift from rigid traditional paper assessments to secure online assessments. Since online assessment models can be managed with relative ease, they provide a valuable and innovative vehicle for delivering assessments that are fair and accurate.

Immersive learning

Immersive learning is taking Nigeria by storm and is set to remain a key part of its EdTech throughout 2020 since it offers an enormous level of learning potential, especially as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies continue to develop and evolve.  These types of educational experiences will help the learner become a part of the narrative as they get to draw their own conclusions to gain expertise and knowledge.  The opportunity to simulate real-life situations or scenarios will be particularly important for professionals who need a more practical training experience.

Since the market is competitive, VR and AR based learning will be used as a magnet to attract and retain valuable adult learners.  Beyond the fact it yields positive results, this trend will continue to be prominent in 2020 because it is also proven to engage long distance learners and generate successful outcomes.

Conclusion

The marriage of technology and education offers an enormous amount of value to training providers and awarding bodies, as it provides learners with the content and resources most relevant to their requirements – in a personalised experience.

So if you are exploring education options in Nigeria, be sure to consider the emergent EdTech in your location and how it may help you to gain your life-changing qualifications.[/vc_column_text][us_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

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