Breaking: 2025 NSW Selective School Test To Be Held Online

In a significant move, the New South Wales (NSW) government has announced that from 2025, the Selective Schools Test will transition from a paper-based format to a computer-based test. 

The details: This change will be implemented mostly in external test centers. It’s important to note that students appearing for the Selective School Test in 2024 will still appear for a paper-based test.

The How: This digital shift is powered by a collaboration between the NSW government, Janison Education, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. The multimillion-dollar agreement signifies a major overhaul in testing over 30,000 high-potential and gifted students annually. Key deliverables include the digitisation of test administration procedures, the development of an on-demand practice-test environment and implementation, configuration, and piloting of the system. A full roll-out of the platform for the NSW education department will be completed in 2025.

Where Else Is Online Testing Popular?

– China: International schools, including the Léman International School and the East China School District, have already embraced computer-based assessments, utilizing MAP Growth testing for various grades.

– South Korea: Schools such as the Korea Foreign School and Korea International School, Jeju Campus, have implemented MAP Growth tests as part of their enrollment process.

– United Kingdom: Prestigious universities like Imperial College London and Oxford have conducted online exams, adapting to the evolving educational landscape.

– Belgium and Austria: Higher education institutions have successfully held online exams, with the University of Vienna incorporating digital exams into its curriculum.

– Finland: The Finnish education system has adopted online Matriculation Exams, a critical factor in university admissions since 2019.

– Montana, USA: Montana has transitioned its ACT testing online, adding flexibility in scheduling and testing administration.

– SAT: The College Board has introduced a digital testing app, “Bluebook,” to administer its suite of exams, indicating a significant shift towards digital testing methodologies.

Is Online Testing Helpful Though? Notes from Other Countries

1. Impact on Test Scores: Research indicates that online assessment positively impacts academic performance, with students performing better in online assessments than paper-based ones.  For instance, a study on students in the UK provided assurance to students, academics, administrators and policymakers that carefully designed online assessments can improve students’ academic performance.

2. Not All Green Flags: Does Online testing have no problems? Not really. Another study by the American Institutes for Research  examining the transition from paper to online testing found that students taking tests on paper generally scored higher than those taking tests on a computer. 

The researchers noted that this discrepancy was due to differences in test formats and students’ familiarity with the testing mode. Meanwhile, the same study found that there are real advantages to online testing, such as faster grading and result delivery, and preparation for a digitally oriented workplace.

3. Increased Accessibility: Online testing has allowed students to take exams from any location, which is particularly beneficial during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. It also opens up opportunities for students who live in remote areas or have mobility challenges. For instance, Finland’s adoption of online Matriculation Exams facilitated broader access for all students, regardless of their geographic location.

• More Flexibility: Online tests offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling and can be more easily adapted to different time zones or schedules. The same test can be accessed by students irrespective of where they’re located without having to reschedule tests.

This has been especially evident in international schools, such as those in China and South Korea, where students have diverse backgrounds and needs.

4. Rapid Feedback: Online testing can provide immediate feedback to students, which is beneficial for learning and progression. Instant grading and results help students and teachers identify areas of strength and improvement without the delay often associated with traditional exams. A study involving more than 2,300 middle school students in Oregon and Georgia found that students who used web-based testing for science improved their  next test scores significantly because of instant feedback and weakness identification.

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