Lessons from the Global Shift to Online Exams

As over one hundred jurisdictions make the transition from pen-and-paper examinations to online high-stakes exams, Gradeo's latest discussion paper, From Paper to Pixel, offers key insights from international experiences.

With NESA set to deliver online exams for Enterprise Computing, Science Extension, and Software Engineering this year, followed by English Extension 1 and 2 in 2027, the paper arrives at a critical juncture.
It reviews the transition experiences of countries including Finland, Estonia, Japan, and New Zealand, highlighting key factors such as infrastructure, exam design, security, equity, and AI-assisted marking.

Key Findings from Around the World

• Minimum Device Standards for Fairness: Countries like Finland have mandated minimum device standards, ensuring equitable access for all students.
• Cybersecurity Preparedness: Lessons from Ontario’s OSSLT highlight the necessity for rigorous cybersecurity measures and contingency plans to prepare for disruptions.
• Innovative Assessment Designs: Multimedia-enhanced exams, such as those used in New Zealand and Japan, have increased student engagement and authenticity.
• AI Integration in Marking: AI marking has shown high accuracy, significantly reducing bias and speeding up results processing, but maintaining human oversight is critical to maintain public confidence.

The full discussion paper, From Paper to Pixel, is available by joining the mailing list on the Gradeo website. Educators and policymakers are encouraged to review these insights to better navigate the transition to online assessments.