Online Examination System

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1) Background

Online learning or E-learning is fast gaining ground as an accepted and used learning paradigm.

More and more school institutions are implementing web sites providing functionality for

performing E-learning and examinations over the web. It is reasonable to say that the process of

learning on the web is becoming commonplace.

The major objective of this project is to develop an online examination system for students

whereby exams/tests can be created and conducted online so as to ensure that E-learning students

need not travel for long distances so as to sit for their examinations. While ICTs are primarily

used in blended learning and long-distance education to support teaching and learning, it is the

utilization of the electronic medium to conduct very significant summative assessments has

attracted interest from a variety of stakeholders worldwide. In order to address the ubiquitous

academic fraud, the United States (US) introduced the Higher Education Opportunity Act, 2008,

which requires institutions to have safeguards in place to verify students whose assessments are

made possible by electronic methods

1.2) Problem Statement

As much as most local institutions of learning have embraced E-learning to raise the bar and so

as to cope with the ever-growing number of learners (students) very few institutions have

adopted an online examination system, in fact little has been done in development of online

systems.

A lot of resources (time and money) are wasted since students have to move from place to place

to do exams. Time and man power are also wasted as setting and marking of the exams is done

manually.

The purpose of on-line exam system is to take online test in an efficient manner and no time

wasting for checking the paper. The main objective of on-line test simulator is to efficiently

evaluate the candidate thoroughly through a fully automated system that not only saves lot of

time but also gives fast results.

For students they give papers according to their convenience and time and there is no need of

using extra thing like paper, pen etc.

1.3) Objectives

a) General Objective

The general objective of Online Examination System is to create a platform for online creation,

actual sitting and marking of exams.

b) Specific Objectives

i) Enables the Admin to create subjects to be undertaken by students.

ii) Enables the Admin to create Test conductors.

iii) Enables the Admin to create students.

iv) Enables the Test conductors to create subjects to be undertaken by students.

v) Enables the Admin to create tests to be undertaken by students.

vi) Enables the Test conductors to create tests to be undertaken by students.

vii) Enables the Admin to create Questions to be undertaken by students.

viii) Enables the Test conductors to create Questions to be undertaken by

students.

ix) Enables the Admin to manage exam results.

x) Enables the Test conductor to manage exam results.

xi) Ensures timing of student tests.

xii) Ensures exams are marked correctly.

xiii) Enables students to check their marks online.

1.3) Project Justification

The development of the system is driven by the following advantages: -

i. Convenience to the Students and Test conductors: -

The students need not move from place to place to do exams and check their

results, moreover the Test conductors’ job is minimized as they don’t need to do

the marking and tallying of the marks.

ii. Less capital is used as the cost of printing Examinational papers is eliminated.
 Chapter 2:

2.1 Literature Review

E-learning and Online Examination systems applications support the interaction between

different parties participating in the learning platform via the network, as well as the

management of the data involved in the process. An online exam system is an innovative

approach that facilitates the examination process by providing the facility to conduct exams

remotely. This literature review aims to provide insights into the current state of online exam

systems, their benefits, challenges, and future prospects. Online exam systems offer several

advantages over traditional examination methods. First, they provide greater flexibility and

convenience for both students and teachers. Students can take exams at their own pace and

convenience, while teachers can easily monitor and grade exams from anywhere. Second, online

exams reduce the administrative burden on educational institutions by eliminating the need for

physical exam papers, reducing the workload on examiners and simplifying the grading process.

Third, online exams provide immediate feedback to students, allowing them to identify areas of

weakness and focus on improving their performance. Online exam systems are likely to continue

to grow in popularity and sophistication in the coming years, as educational institutions seek to

improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their examination processes. New technologies such

as artificial intelligence and machine learning may be incorporated into online exam systems to

provide even greater insights into student performance and personalized learning opportunities.

However, it is important to balance the benefits of technology with the need to maintain

academic integrity and ensure fair and equitable assessment practices.

Chapter 3: SYSTEM ANALYSIS

3.1 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

REGISTRATION

The system user i.e. students and first of all must create an account to the site. The registration

form is coded using php, html and validated using php and JavaScript. The user will be needed to

provide his/her student user name which will be used as the core identification to the site. The

user too will be needed to choose his/her own password which be enabling him/her to log into

the site. The user too should provide the name of his/her location/city, email address and

contacts. After registration, the user will be required to login to the system. Thus, the user will

now be able to log into the site since his/her account has been activated.

The Test conductor however can only be created by the administrator to ensure that students or

other guests can’t add themselves unnecessarily.

LOGIN

Users will be required to login by providing their user names and their passwords too. If the user

names correspond to the correct password provided by the user, the user will be authenticated to

the main site from where he can view different things according to the type of user they are.

ADMINISTRATOR FUNTIONALITIES

1. The administrator has choice to delete users from the system depending on their

justification for instance if a user is misusing the site.

 3.2 NON FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

In developing this system, iterative approach was used where the core functions were first

included then tested the system to see its functionality. While designing this system, the

following parameters where taken into consideration:

1) Performance.

All details are stored in a mySQL database which is fast, efficient and perfect. The site on

the front end runs on HTML and css while on the back end, it is supported by JavaScript,

mySQL database and php. Thus, the user has been limited to the interface only, but not how

the system works at the background.

2) Availability.

The system has not been created in a static manner but it is dynamic. It therefore provides an

easy extensibility in the future according to changing technologies.

3) Security.

Security has been enhanced by providing a different platform for administrators and

users/applicants. Admin has been granted many privileges than a normal user. A student can

only take a test and view results but can’t delete them. An admin on the other hand adds

users, tests and views users, added tests and can deletes users form the site and delete tests.

These are operations which have been limited to the admin only.

4) Maintainability.

The system has been designed in a way that the components can be changed. This makes it

easy to maintain and use.

5) Accessibility and Usage.

 For any site to be good, it has to be user friendly .The site is made from an interface that is

friendly to the user, which abstracts most of the background operations and only provides the

important operations to the user. Too, any over 18 years old person can use the site freely

because it provides easy terms and navigation. The user is directed to what he/she needs

easily without searching for it and too, the menus are optimized to meet users’ needs.

3.3 REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

Software Process Model

To solve actual problems in an industry, software developer or a team of developers must

incorporate a development strategy that encompasses the process, methods and tools layers and

generic phases. This strategy is often referred to as process model or a software developing

paradigm. A process model for software developing is chosen based on the nature of project and

application, the methods and tools to be used, and the controls and deliverables that are required.

All software development can be characterized as a problem solving loop in which four distinct

stages are encountered: Status quo, Problem definition, technical development and solution

integration. Regardless of the process model that is chosen for a software project all of the stages

coexist simultaneously at some level of detail.

The choice of the methodology to use was SSADM methodology. SSADM revolves around the

use of three key techniques namely Logical Data Modeling, Data Flow Modeling, Entity/Event

Modeling and the application of the Systems Development Life Cycle.

3.3.1 Justification For Choice Of SSADM as the Methodology.

1) The Objectives in e-exam are realistic.

2) SSADM highly Emphasizes on Documentation which is Crucial in this project.

3) Communication within the System is effective and reliable.

4) SSADM is a structured methodology appropriate for the analysis and design of systems

which exist in a well-structured environment.

3.3.2 Steps In SSADM

Requirements elicitation.

Here the requirements for all system elements are determined. It incorporates comprehensive

requirements gathering for the system.

System analysis.

The analysis phase will be used to determine the system specifications. It aids in the proper

understanding of the nature of the system to be built after clear understanding of the information

domain. The deliverables at the end of requirement analysis will be a detailed document of the

system requirements.

System design.

The design phase translates requirements into a design that can be assessed for quality before

code generation begins. In this phase I will us the Gliffy tool to come up with use case diagrams

or Data Flow Diagrams. These show the different users of the system and how they use the
system. I will also develop design diagram such as sequence diagrams to show user interaction

with the system. The deliverables at the design phase will be system design models.

Coding.

The coding phase will come up with the code for the system as well as interconnect the different

components of the vehicle, garage and car wash advertisement services.

Testing.

In this stage the system will be tested using test data such as entering data into the system and

checking whether it will perform the expected services.

A working system will be released at the end of the implementation period.

3.4 REQUIREMENTS ELICITATION

It includes the techniques to be used by systems analysts to identify or extract system problems

and solution requirements from the user community and other relevant sources.

Technique used:-

3.4.1 Use of questionnaires.

A variety of Interviews was conducted among potential users of the system so as to find out what

features were desirable to be integrated into the system and to ensure that the system would be

acceptable to the Users.

 Observations.

i) A large number of the respondents lack a simple platform that that they would use to

sell their services and products.

 ii) Majority of the respondents recommended for a better, simpler and informative

system that would ensure advertisement of vehicle sales and after sale vehicle

services like the mechanic and car wash services.

3.5 SYSTEM ANALYSIS

3.5.1 Feasibility Analysis

The main aim of the study was to find out the viability and practicability of undertaking this

project. The following were the outcomes of the study:-

Economic feasibility

The cost of running this project from start to finish was affordable. From the cost/benefit analysis

carried out, it was determined that the benefits of this system outweighed its cost by a good

margin

Technical feasibility

PHP and MYSQL were chosen for server side logic and HTML/CSS/JavaScript was chosen for

client-side presentation.

Operational feasibility

The system’s operation was determined to be feasible because it would solve user problems by

providing a cheap and reliable advertising platform. It lets the different users and organizations

have control of their information and how the system handles their Information. The Mobile
application ensures security and efficiency in the ticket verification system. Event goers are

ensured of convenience with user friendly procedures involved in the ticket purchase process.

However, all users would require basic computer knowledge and also some little training.

Legal feasibility

The System is legal as per both local and International laws. For good Legal Practice the System

has terms and conditions that bind Organizations Representatives.

Chapter 4: SYSTEM DESIGN

4.1 Sequence Diagrams

4.1.1 Registration and Session Sequence diagram for users

4.1.2 Sequence diagram for admin authentication

4.1.3 Sequence diagram for admin logout
4.2 Use case Diagrams

4.2.1 Registration and Session use case diagram for users

User
verification User login

User

Register

Field Description

Use case Name User Registration and Sessions

Actors Admin, user

Purpose Registration/signing up of users

Overview This is used to register users so that he/she can be able to access online

exam services

Pre conditions New user who is not yet registered to this site.
Policies A valid system user is recognized through logging in only.

Post conditions Update site database.

Priority High

Frequency High

Cross Reference F2

4.2.2 use case diagram for users taking a test

User
verification User login

Take test
Field Description

Use case Name Take test

Actors Admin, user.

Purpose Taking a test

Overview This is done to enable the vehicle details be submitted to the database so

that they can be displayed in the admin’s dashboard.

Pre conditions Services that have not been included in the site and other feedbacks that

have not been considered.

Policies A user has to be given the correct services efficiently.

Post conditions Update site database and take actions on the provided feedbacks.

Priority High

Frequency High

Cross Reference F1,F3

4.2.3 use case diagram for users adding a test

 User
verification User login

Add test

Field Description

Use case Name Adding test

Actors Test conductor, admin

Purpose . Adding test

Overview This is done to enable the test details be submitted to the database so that

they can be displayed in the dashboard of admin and the TC who added it.

Pre conditions Services that have not been included in the site and other feedbacks that

have not been considered.

Policies A user has to be given the correct services efficiently.

Post conditions Update site database and take actions on the provided feedbacks.

Priority High
Frequency High

Cross Reference F1,F2

4.2.6 use case diagram for admin operations

Add users

Admin
dashboard

Edit tests

Delete users
Chapter 5. SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING

5.1 TEST ENVIRONMENT

The following machine specifications were used to test this system:

Laptop Model: Acer Aspire 5742G

Processor: Intel ® Core i5 ® CPU 2.67 GHz

Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate.

System Type: 32-bit Operating system.

Installed Memory (RAM): 5GB.

5.2 PROGRAMMING TOOLS USED

In developing the system, different programming languages were used namely: Javascript,

HTML, CSS and php. The above languages were used to develop the codes of the system where

php was used as the main scripting language, CSS was used to design the outlook of the system,

HTML was used to design the inputs of the system while JavaScript was used for validating the

system. On the database part, mySQL was used which is efficient to use.

5.3 TESTING OVERVIEW

Testing included running the system over different browsers. The browsers tested with include:

Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome.

It was worth noting that the system does well in all the three browsers named above. The above

browsers were chosen because they are the frequently used browsers all over the world. Many

internet browsers prefer Mozilla Firefox, Google chrome and Internet Explorer. It is too worth

noting that many people prefer Mozilla Firefox and thus for that reason, configuration of local

host was done with Mozilla Firefox. Mozilla is fast and easy to use unlike the other two
browsers. The other measure taken included the creation of folders on the local host, where users

project/pictures would be stored after uploading. The system does not contain heavy scripts that

can be rejected by some browsers and thus makes it comfortable for users to use the system in

any of the above mentioned browsers or any other browser like Netscape although it is not

tested using Netscape.

5.4 SAMPLE OUTPUT

Registration

The system was tested by registering four users to the site. The registration involved using

unique usernames for each of the users since it is a mandate to provide a unique user names that

has not been registered by another user in the site. Secondly, I chose their passwords which

should be unique to prevent malicious people form hacking into users’ account. After

registration, user should login to access homepage. Below is a screen capture of the registration

and users login forms.

Main navigation

When a user is authenticated to the system, he/she is authenticated to the home page called

index. In this page, he/she can take tests and view results.
 6.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 INTRODUCTION

In the beginning, the task was to develop an online examination system which would enable

students to take tests and check results online and also for the admin and Test Conductors to add

tests online. In the end of the development phase, the system was able to achieve everything.

The user details are well saved in a MySQL database which is a better record keeping

mechanism than the currently used physical files.

In the long run, the system was able to support the above-mentioned services to the user. It

enabled provision of different platforms for a normal user and an administrator.

6.2 Discussion

The researcher was able to meet all the set objectives by the end of the project. The achievements

made in coming up with Online exam System were:

1. The system facilitated convenience to the students and Test

2. The researcher was able to learn more about coding in PHP

3. The researcher was able to learn more about system development by

implementing all the steps required by the methodology.

 6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

Since the system is dynamic, further enhancements can be incorporated into the system. First,

an sms server which enable students to get real time notifications of results.

Also, a mail server to enable users register with the correct valid emails so that when they

register, a link can be send to their emails so that they mail click it to activate their registration.

This will also enable users to receive updates from the site and any other subscriptions like

newsletters and news.

6.4 FUTURE WORKS

1. A lot of learning and effort had to be put to see the project succeed.

2. The project relied heavily on web resources. At times accessing the internet was a

major challenge especially from the halls of residence.

3. Time Constraint which led to narrowing of the project scope so as to complete the

project.

6.5 CONCLUSION

Online exam systems offer a range of benefits for educational institutions and students, including

greater flexibility, reduced administrative burden, and immediate feedback. However, they also
present challenges such as cheating and technical issues. With the continued development of

online exam platforms and the incorporation of new technologies, online exams are likely to

become even more widespread and sophisticated in the future.