What You Need to Know About Online Standardized Testing
In the past few years, there has been a major push to make standardized testing more accessible for students by having online options. Recently, many tests have had to move 100% online due to COVID-19 and required testing center closures.
Taking a test online can be even more stressful for some students than in person tests— especially because procedures, requirements, and acceptable practices all change when a test goes online. Luckily, Lotus Premier Education is here to support you in all your online test-taking endeavors, and have some tricks and tips to help you feel more comfortable and be more successful!
The most important thing to do before you take a standardized test online is make sure you know all of the new regulations and proceeders for the online test. Many of the things that you could previously do during an in-person test are now prohibited during online test taking.
For example, the largest change that has been throwing off students taking the TOFLE (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is that they are no longer allowed to use scrap paper during their test. This change has not been highly publicized, so many students are unaware of this new rule going into their tests. Scrap paper is integral for allow you to think through problems, draw diagrams, and organize your work during these tests. Because the TOFLE and GRE online versions are used for many different students, they cannot risk having test-takers writing down questions to pass on to others—this is why the no scrap paper rule exists. When you take the test, you are required to share a video of your workspace so they can monitor your work.
So what can you do instead?
Don’t fear; you have a few options so that you can still think through problems and stay organized even without scrap paper.
Use a small whiteboard and dry erase markers
This is one of your best bets when it comes to taking an online standardized test. A small white board has all the same capabilities as a piece of scrap paper and can be erased easily making it encouraged by online tests. As long as you are able to erase your work and the test proctors are able to see you erasing your board often, this is a foolproof way to take your test!
Laminate one sheet of paper and use dry erase markers
Another easy option is to laminate a single piece of paper and use dry erase markers as a DIY whiteboard. This is the perfect erasable scrap paper! Just remember to erase it before you leave the test.
Happy online test taking and we hope this helped you feel a little more prepared!