Online viva voce for supplementary first professional Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S) exam: challenges and implementation

• Main Authors: Ismawi, Hidayatul Radziah, Mat Harun, Noraihan, Mohamed Bakrim, Norbaiyah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: L Education (General); R Medicine (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/93360/1/16.10.2021_HidayatulRadziahIsmawi.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/93360/2/Screenshot%202021-10-28%20at%204.49.24%20PM.png; http://irep.iium.edu.my/93360/3/Screenshot%202021-10-28%20at%204.49.38%20PM.png; http://irep.iium.edu.my/93360/4/Screenshot%202021-10-28%20at%204.50.10%20PM.png; http://irep.iium.edu.my/93360/; http://pictl2021.upm.edu.my

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed not only teaching and learning but also methods of assessment. Viva voce is an oral examination typically held face to face between examiner and candidate in physical proximity. It is one of the methods of examination utilised by the Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia for candidates sitting for the Supplementary First Professional Exam. Therefore, shifting the viva voce examination online came with a unique set of challenges. This report describes the process of conducting the viva voce online, from planning to implementation, for twenty-six students who recently sat for their Supplementary First Professional Exam. Among the challenges faced included choice of platform, internet accessibility, exam unit competency, examiner training, conduct of the examination and integrity of the examination. The Remote Teaching and Learning Exam Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia had to pre-empt and navigate these challenges as well as solve unexpected situations that arose in order to ensure the viva voce was conducted smoothly and satisfactorily for all parties involved. This online viva voce also serves as a template for future online oral examination by this department should the need arise.