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While digital testing has become increasingly common within the last decade, many have found it less than ideal. Though digital formats aid educators by minimizing grading effort and eliminating discrepancies, students often encounter technological errors and experience difficulty concentrating while testing. Many students find that paper methods are easier to grasp and more conducive to concentration.
As tests pile up throughout the weeks, teachers struggle to make time for grading. Lesson plans need changing and homework/classwork requires assigning, which leaves the tedious task of grading to fall behind. Most digital options, however, provide instantaneous scoring that can then be added directly to the grade book.
“The digital scoring saves me hours; I don’t have to mark each question or try to decipher illegible handwriting,” said Spanish teacher Ms. Elyse Slezak.
Paper testing, unlike digital, creates a discrepancy gap. Students can carefully manipulate their handwriting to make the difference between a T and F or an O and A indistinguishable in hopes their teacher will assume the correct answer if students are unsure themselves. Most digital methods relinquish all handwritten forms, and replace them with typing – leaving no teacher uncertain.
Though digital options can provide convenience for teachers, this is only the case if technology cooperates. Oftentimes, however, this is quite an issue. Most recently, a lack of technological cooperation was seen when students attempted to complete their PSATs through the newly introduced Bluebook app. In data obtained by a survey, 100% of students reported experiencing issues on testing day. While 74% noted their experience being a brief delay followed by a successful test, the remaining 26% experienced various errors that severely impacted their abilities to successfully complete the test: errors included being locked inside the test, being booted out of the test, and being unable to get into the test.
With such extensive digital issues regarding the PSAT, students were asked to reflect and share their opinions on paper vs. digital testing. This reflection yielded 62% of students reporting a preference for paper testing.
“I prefer paper because it is more reliable than electronic. Additionally, I find it difficult to focus on screens during testing, especially if there is a typed portion of the test, since everyone is typing at different moments,” said sophomore Megan Newell.
Resource availability also plays a key role in paper vs. digital testing. Students often mark up their tests – underlining, adding a note, and/or crossing out on certain questions – which provide clarity and definitive direction while testing. Digital testing removes this ‘luxury’ entirely.
“You can always get scratch paper, but then why not just take the test on paper? I only like digital if it is multiple choice,” said senior Summer Marcinkus.
While digital methods can increase convenience and minimize educator effort, ultimately, it is laden with uncertainty and unavoidable errors. Paper testing, though old school, is more reliable and familiar to students.
