Successfully combining paper and digital exams

Successfully combining paper and digital exams

Using digital tests alongside written exams can be very successful. Especially if the digital assessment techniques are also applied to the written exams. Read more about how to take advantage of this.

The use of digital testing technology in written exams includes drawing from the same database for composing written tests as for digital testing. In addition, the scores and results of the written exams are digitally processed and analyzed after they are taken.

Benefits of using digital testing in written exams

There are three major benefits that promote the quality of testing and service to candidates:

1. (Quality.) This way you always have unique keys, without having to manually compose the keys. In fact, the system automatically composes the tests, according to the test matrix. Because each test is unique, the chance of fraud is reduced, as well as the chance that questions will become known. After all, no student has the same test.
2. (Quality.) You can use multiple-choice questions in the digital and written exams. The answers to the written exams are read after they are taken. In this way, another advantage of digital testing can be used: Through the testing software, analysis of the questions takes place, allowing continuous quality control.
3. (Service.) There is no need to know in advance who is coming, which gives flexibility to candidates. Even if non-registered candidates still want to take the exam, they can participate because extra written copies are always available. Only after the exam is taken will the candidate’s name be linked to the candidate’s result in the system.

Combination of both written and digital sampling

Because the exams are both written and digital, there is great flexibility in terms of test time and test location. Digital testing requires facilities such as laptops and a stable online connection, facilities that are not required for written testing. The use of written alongside digital exam administration allows for an even greater spread of locations, providing an even better service to candidates and trainers.

Equivalency of exams and quality of test sites

Because the exams are generated according to a test matrix, the content is weighted and there are actually no differences between the unique exams (both written and digital). The use of different testing sites for the purpose of digital testing also follows quality standards. For the administration of written exams, quality control is also in place by using in-house freelancers, such as examiners and supervisors. For both forms of examination, there is additional oversight by an outside party, who assesses whether the agreed-upon procedures are being followed.

Advantages and one concern of digital capture

Taking exams by computer is pleasant for candidates: it saves writing cramps for open-ended questions, promotes readability for the corrector, and a candidate can also easily change the answer again during the exam administration. Finally, answers are stored centrally so you can always access the pieces. Human error is also automatically avoided when processing responses. With digital review, there is a firm concern and great importance in terms of information security, however, this should not be underestimated and is a top priority.