The power of metadata in digital assessment software

The digital age is transforming how we deal with (digital) assessment. Good assessment software makes it possible to manage large amounts of information efficiently and accurately. By assigning metadata to test items, we can make assessment even more accurate and relevant.

The importance of metadata and taxonomy in assessment

Assigning metadata to test items is similar to cataloging books in a library. Just as each book has unique labels – the title, author, subject, publication date, genre – to facilitate searching, we can also assign specific “labels” or metadata to test items in a digital testing environment. This metadata can range from the topic of a question, the type of question, to even the difficulty level and/or psychometric properties of that question.

In addition, we can use a taxonomy to subdivide questions by type, for example, such as “knowledge,” “understanding” or “application” (Bloom). But when using metadata, we are not limited to just these classifications. We can also attach other important information to questions, such as specific skills we want to test, or determined learning objectives we want to achieve.

Increased flexibility and relevance in digital assessment

Using metadata gives your digital assessment greater flexibility and relevance. For example, do you need to respond quickly to a change in a law relevant to your test or exam? Using metadata, you can quickly identify, modify and update the relevant questions so that your test material always remains current and relevant.

Optimum Assessment Platform: metadata and test items

The Optimum Assessment Platform features a powerful module, Optimum Editor, designed specifically to streamline the process of assigning metadata. Optimum Editor allows you to easily create and assign metadata to test items. This provides a great deal of flexibility when managing your item bank.

Optimum Editor makes it easier than ever to find questions that meet your specific criteria. With an intuitive and user-friendly dashboard, you can easily find, create and/or edit questions. In addition, the use of metadata helps you better understand the performance of specific test items. The Optimum Insights analysis module allows you to further improve the content of your tests.

Optimizing assessment with metadata

Using metadata can dramatically improve the way tests are designed and administered. The Optimum Assessment Platform helps you realize the full potential of your assessment. Want to learn more about our digital assessment services? Feel free to contact us!