Development of an online assessment system to evaluate knowledge on chemical safety and security

Abstract

Abstract Education and information dissemination are fundamental to safety and security risk management and mitigation. A web-based examination system called OPCW eQChemSS was developed to assess individuals on their knowledge in chemical safety and security. This can be used as an evaluation tool for chemical safety and security courses, workshops, and seminars. A database of questions was included in this web-based software, which was divided into three categories. Category A is general chemistry level safety, Category B is chemical safety related to organic and inorganic compounds, and Category C is on chemical safety and security and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The system was designed to automatically check the examination and instantly provide the result of the test in terms of percentage correct answers. A feedback mechanism from the examinees was also included to assess the effectiveness of this e-learning educational material. The importance of e-learning materials in this time of COVID-19 pandemic cannot be more emphasized. The need for readily accessible e-sources that will aid in virtual learning for various topics will be significant even in the coming new normal of hybrid or flexible learning where both online and face-to-face learning may be implemented.