“I get higher marks via BYOD”: A descriptive qualitative study on student experiences using BYOD e-assessments to enhance the dimensions of administration and support for learning excellence.

Abstract

Background: A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) e-assessment strategy empowers students to use personal devices for digital exams, reducing the need for specialised facilities and enhancing learning excellence by simplifying by streamlining the administrative and support dimensions of the student experience. Despite its benefits, it remains underused. This study investigates student perceptions of BYOD for e-assessments within a Faculty of Medicine and Health Science. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted, employing a survey with open-ended and Likert-scale questions to delve into student experiences. Results: The findings revealed that 82.7% of students had a positive experience due to the method's efficiency and convenience. However, 20.7% still preferred traditional pen-and-paper assessments. Various factors, such as technical difficulties, device quality and familiarity, and confidence in using technology, shaped these experiences. Students with older devices expressed worries about compatibility and performance. There were also issues related to connectivity and the specific device used. Interestingly, most students felt a sense of safety and were less stressed using a familiar device. However, those with outdated devices harboured performance concerns, and some lacked confidence in their technological skills. Conclusion: While BYOD for e-assessment offers a valuable means to enhance student experience and decrease administrative load, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Successful execution requires a mix of interventions, including faculty support, student training, and thoughtful planning. When implementing a BYOD e-assessment system, it is essential to consider student experiences and address their needs. Additionally, implementing BYOD for assessment requires multiple strategic actions to ensure effective integration. Furthermore, the study underlines the need for a comprehensive learning excellence approach that factors in student support and administration, affirming that technology can elevate the student experience. Therefore, conducting research on how technology can contribute to learning excellence warrants more research.