IEA INSIDER 2024
Experience of Transitioning to Digital Assessments in Germany
BY CAROLA BRETSCH & RONJA LÜHRS
In Germany, following the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs’ decision to advance educational standards across various school subjects, the Institute for Quality Development in Education (IQB) is modernizing its testing system. In preparation for the transition from paper- to computer-based assessment of Germany’s largest national comparative study— the IQB Bildungstrend—a successful pilot study was conducted in 315 primary schools in spring 2024.
system checks were carried out directly by school staff rather than trained test administrators. Preparations began in October 2023, allowing sufficient lead time to assess technical requirements in advance. A routine system check tested the technical specifications of eligible devices, such as operating system compatibility, browser functionality, and internet speed. Based on these results, IEA Hamburg determined which schools met the technical requirements and where an offline scenario with provided devices would be necessary. Reliable results required conducting system checks under similar conditions to the testing day, emphasizing the need for clear instructions and close
The study aimed to test new instruments and pilot various technical aspects, including mode effects between paper- and computer-based instruments, device types, test system functionality, and new procedures for computer-based surveys. The pilot study presented significant challenges for project staff, school personnel, test administrators, and primary school students in particular due to varying technical equipment and survey settings in schools. IEA Hamburg, experienced in conducting computer-based assessments, faced new challenges with internet-based surveys using school devices (tablets). For the first time,
42
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker