{"id":1727,"date":"2020-04-15T04:54:05","date_gmt":"2020-04-15T08:54:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surpass.com\/?p=1727"},"modified":"2024-03-27T09:26:03","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T09:26:03","slug":"new-to-e-assessment-get-started-here","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surpass.com\/en-gb\/news\/2020\/new-to-e-assessment-get-started-here\/","title":{"rendered":"New to e-assessment? Get started here:"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Whether you\u2019re new to the assessment industry, or you\u2019re a veteran that\u2019s trying to make sense of new terms and technologies, this FAQ is designed to help you on your journey to creating a better assessment experience. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We hope you find the answers you need, but if you\u2019re looking for more, why not get in touch and begin your journey to joining the Surpass Community? We\u2019re always more powerful when we work together towards our common goal \u2013 to improve the assessment experience for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have any questions for the Surpass team, please feel free to get in touch using the contact form at surpass.com\/contact<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are some of the questions we’re regularly asked that might help if you\u2019re new to the world of e-assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between online testing and computer-based testing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although these terms are often used alongside each other, there is a subtle difference. Computer-based testing refers to any examination taken on a computer, whether this is using a touch screen, keyboard, or other input method. Unlike \u2018online testing\u2019, a computer-based test doesn\u2019t need to be connected to the internet while the test is being taken. One common misconception is that online testing is less secure than computer-based testing, but this isn\u2019t always the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain tests, such as Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT), are typically built to be taken online because the content of the test changes according to the ability of the candidate. Other test types such as fixed test forms or Linear-On-The-Fly tests (LOFT) can be taken online or downloaded ahead of time and stored securely until they are unlocked to be taken securely offline by the test taker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is computer-based testing as secure as paper based tests?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot of discussion around the topic of security in testing, and many people argue that with modern security methods, computer-based tests using the correct software to create and deliver them, are actually more secure than paper-based tests. You can\u2019t encrypt a paper exam, nor can you remotely control someone opening the question paper like you can with computers. On paper, there is no digital audit trail showing every person that has been involved with each item from authoring to scoring and marking. There are also environmental advantages, as paper exams typically make 3 journeys before results are issued, not to mention the waste generated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In test centers, opportunities for malpractice can still exist such as capturing and sharing images of exam questions, however this can be mitigated through the use of a quality test center network which is independent of the learning provider. If you want to know more about using a test center network, our team can help you with that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With computer-based tests, advanced live or recorded proctoring technology making use of webcams and smartphones, and the ability to lock-down access to other software during the exam, mean there are fewer opportunities to leak content or use unauthorized information sources. Sometimes this can be a useful alternative, particularly when the learner is based remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about different test delivery methods with Surpass<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Can I create one item and use it for both a paper-based test, and a computer-based test?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nobody likes having to do the same job twice, and Surpass allows you to create one item bank and use that to generate both paper and computer-based test forms at the click of a button. But why might you want to do this? In some cases, regulators insist that a paper test is available for candidates who are experiencing technical difficulties (e.g. a broken keyboard on their laptop). It may also be that you want to offer your candidates a choice depending on their preferred way of working. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some things to consider when creating tests if you intend to deliver them both on paper and on-screen. Think about the question types you want to use, and whether this will create a comparable experience for all candidates. Our team will be able to help you consider your approach in situations like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are online invigilation and remote proctoring the same thing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Due to the nature of computer-based testing, we are starting to see more and more test publishers and awarding bodies use terms developed in other countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The term \u2018proctor\u2019 is the same as \u2018invigilator\u2019 with both being preferred in different regions around the world. Both online invigilation and remote proctoring refer to the process of remotely observing a candidate taking a test in a location of their choice, via one or more webcams . The video feed can be either watched live or recorded and watched back later at speed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested in finding out more about the possibilities remote proctoring can bring to your organization, please get in touch with our Test Center Network team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Start expanding your candidate reach with online proctoring<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is \u201cpsychometrics\u201d and how do they help me create exams?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psychometrics is the science of testing, using data and statistics to judge the difficulty of an item and the ability of the candidate. Surpass has tools integrated into the reporting function that can help you report on these statistics, and a trained psychometrician can help you deeply analyze your test items to ensure you are getting the most from your item bank, whilst creating the most effective and fair tests. As well as telling you vital information about your items, psychometric analysis helps you to create invaluable audit trails for heavily regulated exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hear more from Amanda Dainis, CEO and Lead Psychometrician at Dainis & Co, as part of this podcast: <\/p>\n\n\n\n