Advantages and disadvantages of online assessments
Online assessments are online tests conducted with the purpose of evaluating, measuring, and documenting the academic readiness, learning progress, skill acquisition or educational needs of the test takers. In the past, assessments were usually given in paper printouts and had to be handed out manually. Nowadays, you can create assessments online.
Advantages of online assessments
The use of online assessments saves companies a lot of time and money. Often the assessments can be completed in less time, multiple candidates can complete the online assessment at the same time and there is no need for specialized (and expensive) personnel. Also, the test takers are able to take the assessment during class, or at home, using their own devices. You get to see their results and answers and get instant feedback about your chosen topic. That helps you, as a researcher, recruiter, teacher or trainer, to learn more about your users and adapt to their needs, strengths and weaknesses.
Disadvantages of online assessments
Not much can be said about the disadvantages of online assessments, since the advantages outweigh them by far. But there might be some, for example, you need to be computer literate (or able to use a computer well) in order to create and take an assessment. Technology is not always reliable, there might be connection or internet problems, energy breaks and other things like that. Also, there’s a cost involved in online assessment software.
Conclusion
Online assessments has some pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide what is the best option in your case, that is, keep using hard copy assessments or go for the online option. Although some financial investment in online assessment software is needed, we believe the benefits outweigh the costs by far. It’s a value for money acquisition, since you, as a professional, will save a lot of time and money in many other ways.
Also, online assessments allow the test takers to take on mobile learning, which means, they are able to take the assessments anywhere, anytime. And they receive their results immediately by email. You can see their results and download them into an Excel file.
Read more about Assessment vs Testing and Assessment vs Evaluation or try our Online Assessment Tool!
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Frequently asked questions
✔️ What are the advantages of online assessments?
It saves paper, time, money and the assessment can be taken anywhere and anytime.
✔️ What are the disadvantages of online assessments?
Technology is not always reliable and there’s a cost involved in online assessment software.
✔️ Why use an online examination system?
The advantages are overwhelming compared to a traditional assessment.
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