Creating support for digital testing

Digital testing presents both challenges and opportunities. Moving to a digital review system goes beyond just implementing new technology; you create a completely new method of knowledge verification and certification. The big issue is: how do you generate support for this change and convince everyone involved of the benefits? With 30 years of experience in digital testing, we are happy to share some insights.

Stakeholder analysis: identification and understanding of stakeholders

Before you begin implementing digital testing, it is important to identify who the stakeholders are. From candidates and item constructors to managers and IT personnel; everyone has a voice. These groups have different needs and concerns, and understanding them is critical.

Effective communication: explain the benefits of digital testing

If you want to engage people in change, you have to be able to explain why the change is necessary. So think about, what benefits digital testing will bring to your organization. Is it efficiency by automating things through convenient workflow management, for example? A better and more qualitative form of test construction or test administration? Less high administrative burden? Make sure you communicate these benefits clearly and attractively to every relevant stakeholder.

Right test platform: ensure a good match

A crucial consideration in creating support for digital testing is choosing the right testing platform. Not every platform is right for your particular organization or needs. Look for a platform that is not only reliable and secure, but also offers enough flexibility and scalability to meet your specific requirements. Be it certain reporting needs, integration with existing (LMS) systems or certain accessibility options (such as declaring).

Training and support: the key to acceptance

Working with a (new) digital testing platform can sound overwhelming at first. This is especially true for people who are less tech-savvy. By offering targeted training and support, you can ensure that everyone is comfortable with the new system and can be up and running with it in no time.

Involvement in decision-making: create ownership

Be sure to involve relevant stakeholders – from exam constructors to exam candidates – in decision-making around the digital testing process. Involve them in designing this process, let them give feedback and take suggestions seriously. In this way, you create a sense of ownership, which only increases ultimate support.

Pilot projects: the value of trial and error

Before fully implementing the digital testing process, it’s smart to run a pilot. In our previously written blog (“phasing in digital testing“), we already distinguished three types of pilots that can help you do this. That way you can identify and fix any problems early on. Moreover, such a pilot project can be a valuable example to show how digital testing works in practice!

Tip. For example, do you have multiple exam lines? Then consider introducing digital testing incrementally and make the choice to start with only one of the exam lines.

Feedback iterations: learning and improving

As with any new system, there will be room for improvement in digital testing. But that’s part of it, as long as you learn and improve and keep striving for the ultimate test experience. Create mechanisms to regularly collect and implement feedback so that you continuously improve the process.

Short- and long-term benefits: quick wins and long-term goals

Don’t just emphasize the great, long-term benefits of digital testing. Be sure to include the small, quick wins in particular and share them with your team. Perhaps the process of test construction will soon be visibly more efficient, or exam candidates will see their results more quickly. Sharing these quick wins can be a great motivator.

Partner in digital assessment

With 30 years of experience in the market of (digital) testing and examination, Optimum Assessment has already successfully assisted many organizations in the transition to digital testing. Our in-house expertise goes beyond just delivering software. We offer both technical expertise on the implementation of digital testing, as well as content knowledge on test design and analysis.

Towards a successful, digital future of testing

Switching to digital testing can be a challenging process. But by building support, preparing your organization properly and choosing the right platform, you can make the transition smooth and successful. Want to know more about this? If so, please contact us.