Paper is still a thing – and it can make digital examinations better

Digital integration done right

Complex topics require a little bit more TLC than others, correct? For us that meant to take a deeper look into science exams: mathematics, chemistry or physics. We quickly identified a gap when it came to taking the analogue work of developing formulas or calculations into the digital examination space.

Naturally, this called for a new question type and we eagerly developed this new element called ‘Photo Based Answer`.

Scan, capture and upload

A tool that successfully pushes analogue work into our digital software. There are merely three simple steps in the process: scan, click and upload.

Simply get the app (available on all main app stores), then scan the QR code of the respective question and the picture you have taken will automatically be allocated to it. Once uploaded, the photos will be sent to the corresponding server and then appear in examination software for a final preview for the exam taker’s convenience.

Not everything is visible within the snapshotted image? Not a problem whatsoever, because ‘with complex questions where more space is required to show the workings on how to get to the solution, users can integrate multiple pictures’ Bernhard Waglechner, CEO, explains.

Straightforward examination

This smart integration of analogue elements makes the entire examination process digital and therefore aligns with our vision of a stress-free exam. Within the software it is possible to mark and correct on the uploaded pictures themselves which makes it easy for the examiners to give their feedback. If the use of smartphones is prohibited in the test environment, there is also the alternative of the examiners taking pictures of the produced work themselves and uploading them in a fully automated fashion on the exam takers’ behalf to the correct session.

The question type also shines a new light on the open question ‘Essay’. From now on it will be possible for examiners to unlock the ‘Photo Based Answer’ function within ‘Essay’. Therefore, exam takers will be able to choose whether they want to write their work on paper or submit it digitally. Also, here we thought about making it smooth and hassle free for the examiners to mark the text directly on the uploaded snapshots.

Surprisingly diverse

Although the main areas of application will most definitely be found in the science disciplines, this new function has more to offer than it appears on the surface. ‘The possibilities are extremely diverse and exciting. We could see this question type also being used to show progress of wooden structures, machines or electric circuits.’ says Waglechner.

Since this is an open question type with manual assessment, the list of potential application is endless. Perhaps even for areas which have previously never been associated with digital examinations. ‘We are very excited to see this new functionality being widely applied by our clients and cannot wait to see it perform in ways we haven’t even thought about yet ourselves’.