Optimum Assesment Platform: The ultimate assessment experience.
A learning management system (LMS) and an assessment software system are two completely different things. So you can’t really make a comparison, because then you are comparing apples to oranges. Therefore, this blog focuses not on the differences, but on the special features of a test software system. Does an assessment system add value over an LMS?
We highlight a few key features here. These characteristics have to do with the added value of a testing software system, namely testing. Testing software systems are ironclad in summative assessment. We address the following aspects in turn:
Formative testing is testing without formal consequences, the interim measurement of learning outcomes in the service of the student’s learning process and development.
Summative assessment
is testing with formal consequences, at the conclusion of a learning process or phase. You use this form of assessment when diplomas or certificates are issued or in the case of a decision about individual labor market position. Has a student learned enough to enter the profession? Have employees learned enough to advance to advanced training?
The importance attached to summative testing is often much greater than formative testing. A high interest requires, as a matter of course, optimally conducted test-taking and quality, summative assessment on learning objectives, under supervision. However, the main purpose of an LMS is learning with formative assessment. Where a testing software system is primarily used for summative testing.
Testing quality is testing under supervision. Where an LMS is not set up for this circumstance, an assessment software system is. Because there is (digital) monitoring, the confidentiality of the questions remains guaranteed. Thus, you design a test question not for one time but for repeated takeaways.
The test questions in an LMS usually come directly from the subject matter. The subject matter, rather than the learning objectives can then become leading. The use of a testing software system encourages testing based on learning objectives rather than subject matter. After all, learning takes place outside the system and the subject matter is not fixed (digitally).
For the end user, both an LMS and a test software system offer personal setting options such as font size or image color (for the visually impaired or color-blind). One difference, however, is that taking via a test software system has a verifiable time period that is the same for everyone. For measurement of insight and skill level, this time pressure does matter. As an example, consider accounting. If you take an hour longer than others to do that, then apparently you are not very good at it.
For quality of testing, we name two important aspects: adjustment after analysis and didactic quality.
A testing software system is ideally equipped to automatically generate data on the difficulty and quality of test questions. With this data you can then check after taking the test to see if the test questions are “doing well. Does a test question fit well with the test as a whole? How is the reliability? And on average, how long do students take on the test? Without much effort, all this data becomes insightful. Since an LMS focuses primarily on learning, they are generally not suitable for collecting this type of data.
In the content section of the LMS system, you will often find processing assignments and test-your-knowledge questions. Very focused on (the progress of) the learning process/content. The testing software system, on the other hand, has a wide variety of question formats, making it possible to create a didactically sound test. For each learning objective, choose a question format that best tests the subject matter: multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, open-ended, and so on.
Summary: If the testing goal is the main objective, choose a testing software system. The advantages are many: testing takes place in a controlled environment, under supervision and with a predetermined length of time. In addition, there is a boost for testing on learning objectives and the quality of the test, without sacrificing customization in the taking, tailored to individual circumstances such as dyslexia, low vision, etcetera.
Learn more about the added value of an assessment system over an LMS?
