Drag and drop questions in digital testing: what are they and how do you use them? Within digital testing, there are numerous options when it comes to question types. One example is the drag and drop question. What exactly is this question? What are its advantages and disadvantages and what are tips on how to use this question type within tests and exams? Read on! What is a drag question? A drag question is a closed digital question type where the candidate has to ‘drag and drop’ answer options into the correct order. This question type requires the candidate to be familiar with the sequence of events, steps in a process or how certain elements are connected. The question type is thus an interactive and visual way of testing knowledge. The drag-and-drop question not only tests the candidate's content knowledge, but also their ability to organise the information in a logical way and determine the correct order. These components make it a question you can use well for both formative as summative assessment. Example and score distribution of a trailing question Example: Below is the correct historical event to the correct dates. First man on the moon First human in space Landing of the first robot on Mars Answer options: This question has three answer options called 1961, 1969 and 1971. The candidate drags the correct event to the correct year.... Scoring The scoring of the drag and drop question may vary. For example, you can choose to award points only if all questions are answered correctly. Or you work with partial points if not all answers are ranked correctly. Benefits of a drag question There are a number of advantages that the tow demand has in terms of digital assessment: More interactive and challenging: Drag and drop questions are more interactive than traditional multiple choice questions. This ensures a better test experience for the candidate Shows the depth of knowledge: By asking the participant to drag and arrange objects, the test can give a better picture of how deep the participant's knowledge is. Flexible testing: Drag-and-drop questions are flexible in their design and can be used in many different ways. For instance, you can use them to tie different parts of the lesson material together in a question. Smooth assessment: Digital testing software allows you to assign points directly to the candidate's performance. Disadvantages of a trailing question Of course, there are also some drawbacks to using a trailing question in an exam. Some of the disadvantages are as follows: Complexity: Because of the property of organising information and sequencing, drag and drop questions can be complex for some candidates. Keep this in mind when choosing the test question! Technical issues: Technical problems may occur while using drag and drop questions. Think of (accessibility) problems with the screen or resolution. Therefore choose the correct testing software. Time pressure: A drag and drop question requires a quick and precise answer during the exam. After all, the right elements have to be dragged to the right place. This can add extra pressure for candidates who do not like to perform under time pressure. Tips for drafting a trailing question Clear answer options: Provide clear response options with a limited number of steps or elements. Not too complex: Keep in mind the candidates' level and don't make the question too difficult and invasive. Keep in mind skills: Not every exam candidate is equally developed in terms of digital skills. Therefore, give clear instructions on how to answer the drag and drop question. Conclusion: the trailing question in digital tests Drag-and-drop questions are an effective way to test candidates by organising information logically and sequencing correctly. The question type is flexible, visually appealing and easily assessed (automatically) by testing software. Always be keen on the quality criteria of examination questions. Want more information on digital testing? Our technical experts We are here for you!
