The well-known Advanced Placement (AP) test, which anyone in an AP classroom has to take near the end of the year, is continuing to stray towards a more digital medium, with more tests becoming computerized than ever before. In addition to this is a hybrid system being applied to certain subjects, like math and science, where both traditional and digital testing is being combined.
In today’s modern age, where cell phones are being used more than ever, students and teachers alike are finding themselves spending more and more time using their computers for tasks, rather than the conventional paper-and-pen methods that have been used for years.
“It’s easier than making paper tests and it saves Collegeboard a bajillion dollars from testmaking,” said APUSH teacher Mr. Lewis.
Opinions are mixed about the shift to online. While there are ways to prevent cheating on tests, the software is not foolproof, and there is the possibility that students nervous about failing their test will think of a way to cheat through it.
However, teachers and counselors have taken a more positive approach towards the digital tests, with some, hearing out their students’ concerns, have applied a hybrid system in the test, where half the test is on paper and the other half is done digitally.
“I think I like it,” said counselor Mrs. Wardwell. “It feels right with things getting more digital around schoolwork.”
In addition, some students have taken a liking to the digital tests. “I liked digital a lot more when it came to the essay portions because it was easier to type instead of write and we were able to see how much time we had left,” said senior Eva Wolfe.
However, going digital means a new problem comes into the picture; technology failure.
Technological problems are no stranger to Poway High, and even the school district in general. Many students bring their computers to school only to find a problem with it that was not there the day before.
However, some teachers believe that students will do better testing digitally because they can navigate it very proficiently. In addition, applications like GoGuardian would make cheating unlikely and easy to catch. “Going digital makes sense because that’s the reality of where teaching might be going in the future,” AP World History teacher Anna Hetherington said.
Regardless of opinion, it is important to keep these changes in mind as the exams draw closer and to study in preparation for them.
do better testing digitally because they can navigate it very proficiently. In addition, applications like GoGuardian would make cheating unlikely and easy to catch. “Going digital makes sense because that’s the reality of where teaching might be going in the future,” AP World History teacher Anna Hetherington said.
Regardless of opinion, it is important to keep these changes in mind as the exams draw closer and to study in preparation for them.
