During every examination, it is important that candidates are able to concentrate properly and are not distracted. In short, they should be able to take the examination under optimal conditions. Distractions, in whatever form, can lead to cognitive strain, which is not conducive to performance during the examination. Digital test administration A good digital testing system helps candidates concentrate by providing convenience and clarity. This allows candidates to focus entirely on the main task at hand: achieving a good result. In addition, digital testing offers enormous advantages for people with dyslexia or visual impairments, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities. Read more: how to choose the correct testing software. Practical advantages When it comes to convenience and clarity, with the aim of achieving optimal results, an assessment system offers a number of practical advantages: You ‘brows’ easily through the examination. You can see at a glance which questions still unanswered so that you do not accidentally skip a question. The layout is very clear: one question at a time on the screen. You can set automatic spell check use. You can highlight important sections of text with a colour using the marking function. The assessment system offers various practical tools, such as a calculator, a clock (which you can turn on or off) and a digital notepad. Comprehensive testing systems offer additional possibilities for a customised examination. Examples include a larger font size, the colour of the screen that can be adjusted to the user's preferences, or even the layout (horizontal or vertical presentation of the question). A good assessment system is very suitable for use in different target groups, such as blind and visually impaired people or people with dyslexia. Such a system offers, for example, the possibility of ‘voicing’ an entire examination. This means that the examination is read aloud at a desired pace. In addition, extra time can be granted automatically. Valid examination Are these practical advantages merely convenient, or do they actually serve the examination process? A good test measures what it is intended to measure (validity). Using a digital testing system reduces the chance of measuring something other than what is intended. This results in highly targeted tests. With a digital testing system, you therefore run less risk of measuring things that are not directly part of the test, but which may influence the candidate's performance. Additional skills affecting the test result A number of skills that are not generally part of the examination may influence candidates' performance. Naturally, you want to minimise this. The right assessment system offers a solution. Some examples: 1. Maintaining an overview and time management If you are working with a paper-based exam, it can be difficult to scroll through the exam and keep the papers in order. However, an assessment system presents the exam in a clear manner and at the same time provides insight into the number of unanswered questions in relation to the time available. 2. Working accurately It is possible with paper examinations It can happen that you accidentally put the right answer next to the wrong question or unintentionally skip questions. How great would it be if the test system prevented you from making these mistakes? It is also conceivable that messy handwriting could negatively influence the assessor's evaluation. Again, this is no longer an issue when using a test system. 3. Reading and language skills If you have difficulty reading, you are generally at a disadvantage when it comes to theory tests. To mitigate this disadvantage, having the exam read aloud (audio version) is an interesting option. Digital testing systems generally offer the option of having exams read aloud. This increases concentration compared to reading the exam yourself or having it read aloud by another person. If you have difficulty with spelling, the built-in spell checker can help. In addition, it often makes it easier to assess the work done and therefore more reliable. A dyslexia certificate is generally required for such facilities. 4. Eyesight Poor eyesight can be an obstacle when taking tests. In this case, too, audio playback offers a solution. Sometimes, however, it is sufficient to set a larger font size or choose an alternative colour combination for the screen. The target group that benefits from a larger font size may be larger than you initially think. If you do not have your computer or reading glasses with you, but do need them, this can be so annoying that it negatively affects your results. The possibilities offered by a digital testing system definitely provide a solution. This in turn improves the perception of validity: any poor results are not due to forgetting your reading or computer glasses. Conclusion A digital testing system contributes to optimal examination administration and valid assessment with equal opportunities for everyone. The influence of skills that are not covered by the test but can have a negative effect on the result can be minimised with a comprehensive testing system. In short, a good testing system improves assessment.
