Have you noticed that a certain format works better for you when testing? Does having it on paper or computer change the quality of your performance? Is one way actually better than the other?
In a survey sent out to students at BJHS, 44.7% of students said they preferred paper; 31.9% of students said they preferred computer, and for the remaining 23.4% it didn’t make much difference.
Advantages of Paper
No timer per question; feeling less rushed
Being able to work out problems more easily
Enjoying writing
Easier to check answers
Possible partial credit for showing work
Not having to worry about computer issues such as charging
Strained eyes and headaches from looking at computer
Easier to take notes
Easier to concentrate
Having a better visual idea of the problem
Overall, testing on paper seems to allow students to get a visual idea of everything they’re doing, facilitating their abilities to focus on standardized tests and to see connections. Clearly, paper is an effective method of standardized testing for many students. However, many of these variables depend on the students themselves and what they are comfortable with.
Advantages of Computer
Being accustomed to using computers for everyday things
Having computer settings to help with note taking
Easier to go back to earlier questions
Not having to flip pages
Not enjoying writing
Better focus
Enjoying typing
No hand cramping
Faster typing than writing
No handwriting issues
Computer does have many advantages when it comes to standardized testing. Many tools can be built into tests that are taken on the computer, giving students help and clarity with note-taking, as well as the opportunity to quickly see and go back to questions they are unsure about. This can make focusing easier for many students and also helps them with testing.
Both Methods Are Useful
Many of these reasons impact different students differently based on which tests are being taken, as well as their own personal experiences. What might make testing more stressful for one student could easily do the opposite for another. This is likely why 23.4% of students who completed the survey said that it didn’t matter whether it was on paper or computer. Based on this information, it appears that having some standardized tests on paper and others on the computer is helpful for students. Rather than consistently providing a format that is helpful for some students and hurtful for others, having different formats on different tests can help students adapt to taking tests in different ways and provide more students an opportunity to test using the format more comfortable for them.
