Custom work

Because every faculty, and in some cases even every course within a faculty, has different wishes and requirements about digital assignments, the implementation is custom-made. The new supplier also created custom-made solutions for transferring questions, as it turned out that it was not always possible to migrate examination questions automatically. An import tool was specially developed so that the majority of the questions could be moved in bulk. Other difficult issues were handled by a team of technical experts.

Teamwork is essential

Despite clever technical solutions, most of the work to be done is still a matter of 'human work', and good cooperation between all parties is essential. An expert team has been appointed for each faculty and plays a central role. Together with the project team, the technical team, ICTO coordinators, and with the support of team Toetsen of FS, each faculty considers what is needed to ensure a smooth transition. Rob van den Heuvel, as project leader, has been involved in Ans Exam's implementation from the very beginning: "We notice a great commitment from the expert teams to make the implementation a success. They have a lot of expertise in digital testing and provide valuable feedback. Good interaction aids tremendously. The expert teams know what is needed. They inform and guide teachers in the transition to Ans".

First impressions

In the recent period, several colleagues have really gotten started with Ans. ICTO coordinators Peter van Dijk and Lisanne van den Boomen (FMG) were involved early in the process because of their functions. Lisanne: "When we heard it had become Ans we were enthusiastic; this system offers us opportunities for new insights and improvements. The current digital testing system is not immediately intuitive in several areas. The UX (user experience, ed.) is a lot better with Ans".

Peter especially sees the benefits of improved links with existing systems such as the digital learning environment Canvas. But they both acknowledge that for some users, especially teachers, it will also take some getting used to. "Ans, for instance, does not have a folder structure but primarily works with tags. As a result, you have to look things up in a different way," Peter says. So they understand that not everyone is cheering for a new system.

The good news is that the agreement with Ans Exam runs for at least six years, with a maximum extension of 15 years.  In short: over the next few years, we'll be able to delve into it and make good use of Ans!

FNWI as a testing ground

Because the FNWI was already working with Ans and because they needed customisation for relatively many tests, it was decided to start the migration here. Gerrit Oomens is closely involved as programme manager for educational information systems. "Five years ago, we were already working with Ans for paper exams. Ans kept developing as a supplier, so we're happy with the arrival of Ans as a provider of all digital tests. Our experience is that it is user-friendly and teachers can also get along well with it."

Last summer, the FNWI had already started migrating the first test questions. "We then asked lecturers if they already wanted to move with us. Over 80% were in favour at the time so we started working on that. It certainly helped that Ans was already known to most, which made the threshold a little lower." The teachers' response is also mostly positive. "Especially creating new questions is a lot easier in the new system."

Farewell to TestVision

At all faculties, TestVision will be phased out and exams will be taken with Ans Exam from 1 September 2024 onward. TestVision will still be available until August 2025 as an archive to view exam questions, previously taken tests and results, but without the ability for test administration.

E-learning

For those who will soon have to work with Ans but have never done so before, an E-learning environment has been created. This is available in both Dutch and English. The E-learning consists of several modules and forms part of the entire training programme for future Ans users.

In conclusion

In the coming period, several faculties will already start taking the first tests in Ans to gain experience. We will cover the results and findings in a subsequent article.