When it comes to midterms, everyone has a certain way they want to take it: Some want to take it from their own room for comfort, some want to take it in the library, and others would just like to take it in the classroom like normal. It all really depends on how comfortable they feel in certain spaces.
Midterms are stressful for everyone. Studying for multiple classes and getting any projects finished along the way all while possibly learning new material for next class can be a lot all at once. As it comes down to the midterm itself, some people just wish to have it where they’ll feel comfortable and not pressured to rush or worry about the other kids in the class.
Even in an educational setting, you can’t do your best if your mind is wheezing with other things distracting you,
Personally, I’m not a test person; they give me too much anxiety and I’ve always been one to overly stress about the questions. I always liked the comfortability of, when the option is presented, taking it in my kitchen or the library. I still prefer to be not entirely secluded; I’d like to be where I can still see someone but I won’t have to worry about actual disruption.
Online tests themselves were more comfortable for me. Even though online tests frequently have the same sort of time limit as in person tests, I felt less stressed than being in the classroom. Having the option to do a midterm online can be very satisfying and help the student focus more on the actual test.
Having the option to hold an exam online or in the classroom on paper is giving students an option that will best help them succeed. Some students like doing it on paper and feel uncomfortable having to take their test on a screen. Perhaps they hand wrote their notes, so they’re more comfortable writing than typing on the actual exam.
Many other students bring their laptops to class and have their notes online which would likely lead to a greater comfort in an online exam. As online exams become more prevalent, professors will need to establish systems to prevent cheating (unless it’s an open book exam, of course), but I think that will be manageable.
I’ve seen professors in the past poll the class and see whether their students would be more comfortable taking the test in person or online. It is certainly comforting to know that at least some professors are aware that different students excel in different methods and are providing the resources for them to do so.
Overall, having the option to take the midterm online is up to the professors and the students alike. If it’s a group poll that needs to be made or just a regular thing is up for debate but either way, it could help students more than professors realize.