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Metadata

The power of metadata in digital testing software

The digital age is transforming how we handle (digital) testing. Good testing software makes it possible to manage large amounts of information efficiently and accurately. By assigning metadata to test items, we can make testing even more accurate and relevant.

The importance of metadata and taxonomy in assessment

Assigning metadata to test items is similar to cataloging books in a library. Just as each book has unique labels – the title, author, subject, publication date, genre – to facilitate searching, we can also assign specific “labels” or metadata to test items in a digital test environment. This metadata can range from the topic of a question, the type of question, to even the difficulty and/or psychometric properties of that question.

In addition, we can use a taxonomy to subdivide questions by, for example, type, such as “knowledge,” “understanding” or “application” (Bloom). But when using metadata, we are not limited to just these classifications. We can also attach other important information to questions, such as specific skills we want to test, or certain learning objectives we want to achieve.

Increased flexibility and relevance in digital testing

Using metadata gives your digital review more flexibility and relevance. For example, do you need to respond quickly to a change in a law relevant to your test or exam? Using metadata, you can quickly identify, modify and update the relevant questions so that your test materials always remain current and relevant.

Optimum Assessment Platform: metadata and test items

The Optimum Assessment Platform features a powerful module, Optimum Editor, designed specifically to streamline the process of assigning metadata. Optimum Editor allows you to easily create and assign metadata to key items. This provides a great deal of flexibility in managing your item bank.

Optimum Editor makes it easier than ever to find questions that meet your specific criteria. With an intuitive and user-friendly dashboard, you can easily find, create and/or edit questions. In addition, using metadata helps you better understand the performance of particular test items. The Optimum Insights analysis module allows you to further improve the content of your tests.

Optimizing review with metadata

The use of metadata can dramatically improve the way tests are designed and administered. The Optimum Assessment Platform helps you realize the full potential of your assessment. Want to learn more about our digital testing services? Please feel free to contact us!

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