As an Apple Distinguished School, Saint Viator is always looking for new ways to intertwine education and technology, so it makes sense that ExamSoft, a new testing app for the iPad, is being implemented in almost every classroom. ExamSoft introduces the computer technology that many colleges and universities use in their curricula.

Students need to download their specific test on the app before taking it. ExamSoft ensures a safe testing environment and discourages cheating by requiring students to disable Wi-Fi and enable Guided Access mode while taking the test on the app. This forces students to stay on the app until their test is finished, at which point it is appropriate to turn off Guided Access. It can provide instant feedback of students’ scores to them immediately after the test is completed.

“Last year, a small test group of teachers from every department tried out the app in their classrooms and basically said, ‘Let’s do it,’” said Ms. Maggie Miskowicz, the instructional technology coordinator. “More and more universities are using ExamSoft, especially for high stakes testing like the MCATs and LSATs. We are trying to prepare students [for testing they will encounter at college].”

Students react both positively and negatively to the new app.

“It’s a good idea, except it takes too long to take and set up the test,” said junior Addy Swiderski. “The possibility of crossing out answers you know are wrong is helpful though.”

“There are pros and cons. It is hard to get started and takes time to get the app going, but once it gets going, the app is very user-friendly,” said junior Patrick Harris.

Teachers generally react positively to the new testing app, which is used in almost every department except the math department.

“We use it because it is secure and a new trend in educational technology,” said social studies teacher Mr. Cory Jensen. “Even graduate law and medical programs use ExamSoft. The interface seems complicated, but it is pretty easy once you get the hang of it.”

The math department does not use the app in their classrooms because the app does not have a setting that allows students to write in their own work.

“I would love to see—and we have actually contacted the company about—a note section for handwritten notes. The math department would then be able to use it because they always want students to show their work,” said Ms. Miskowicz.

Saint Viator students will be familiar with the ExamSoft program as they enter college seeing as they are getting so much practice with it in their classrooms.