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In most commercial training and education scenarios, most don’t test for knowledge retention in the classroom. They mistakenly assume that the purpose for testing is to measure achievement. They assume that employees will be a success or failure in the work place, and that will substitute for testing. Finally, most organizations don’t want to spend the money â?? additional class time, and instructor expense.

Operating with these assumptions, we’re missing a significant reason for testing.  The main reason to test after learning, or immediately after, is to reinforce knowledge retention. As much as 50% of knowledge is lost the minute the student leaves the classroom. As much as 90% is lost in the first 60 days. Recent  neuroscience research is showing that testing and quizzing in the classroom actually causes the knowledge to move from short-term to long-term memory, assuring a significant increase in retained material.

The Benefits of Online Exam Software

The time has come to consider online exam software that can automatically test students both during and after the training event with little or no human intervention. Online exam software can be used during the classroom sessions, at nights while class is in session, and at periodic intervals after the employee returns to the job, which not only reinforces retention, but assures that the learning is put into practice.

What to Look For

There are several things to look for when considering a system to conduct exams and tests:

Handled multiple question types. The system should permit the mixing of multiple question types such as true/false, multiple-choice radio button and drop down list, fill-in-the-blank, and short essay.
Build question pools for reuse. In older testing systems, each test must be uniquely created. In more modern systems, questions are stored in question pools and may be reused on multiple tests.
Keyword question tags. When allowing the reuse of questions, it is helpful to allow questions to be tagged with keywords so that other test developers can quickly find related questions.
Randomized questions as well as specific lists of questions. You often do not have the luxury of a proctor in online exams, which is why one needs question randomization. This literally permits every student to have a different view of the exam with different questions.
Permits graphics. Older testing systems require text-only questions. Newer, more modern testing systems allow for the inclusion of graphics in the questions.
Test in question timers. It is often desirable to make sure that the test is completed in a certain timeframe, and occasionally to ensure that only a certain amount of time is spent on a given question.
Comprehensive Scoring and Reporting. Look for automatic scoring, notification, and reporting of exam results.

These are just a few of the features available in the new online exam software systems. Many systems are available as a service where you pay only for what you use, with no software purchase required.

With a small capital outlay, you can increase the stickiness of knowledge with your corporate training efforts. With online exam software, corporate training becomes not only a social event, but a way to actually influence the outcome of learner behavior.

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