The yearly ritual of ACT, SAT, WYTOPP, and many more end-of-year tests keeps many students stressed. But what many students think about is whether the test will be online or on paper. Opinions on the two methods are varied, but many students lean one way or the other.
“If I had to choose between only taking paper or only online tests for the rest of my schooling, I would choose paper,” junior Audrey Johnson said. “It’s a more reliable format, and I feel like I perform better when I can physically write my answers rather than type them.”
For many students, choosing one or the other is an easy choice. People who choose paper tend to say it’s because tech problems are imminent and that paper is more reliable. Paper tests have many proven reasons to be a better source of testing as well.
“Paper tests are better because they reduce screen fatigue, make it easier to show work, and help with memory retention,” Johnson said. “Writing things down by hand has been shown to improve recall, and I find it easier to review my answers on paper rather than scrolling through a screen.
Research shows that paper tests have many advantages over online tests, as Johnson said. Paper tests don’t get glitches and don’t create eye strain. It’s also commonly said that people feel more comfortable with this type because they’ve been writing on paper since pre-kindergarten and are more familiar with it.
“If I had to choose one [or the other], it’d be paper,” junior Deeanna Gibson said. “The only difficulties I’ve had with paper tests are that maybe some ink didn’t fully go on the paper, or the teacher didn’t make enough copies; both are very easy fixes.”
Many students agree that when it comes to paper tests, there are far fewer possible issues that could happen and therefore less trouble. When it comes to computer tests, the possibility of the internet not working, computers crashing or not working, and the fact that computers have to be charged adds so much trouble.
“I like to do math on paper because I just already have scratch paper,” Gibson said. “But anything that has to do with writing, like an essay, I prefer online because it’s easier for me to type than to write out.”
When it comes to things like math or science, where you have to write out and show your work, it’s agreed that paper is easier to use because you can’t do it all in your head. But when it comes to writing essays or simple multiple-choice problems, online tests are quicker and easier to use.
“I would generally prefer to take tests online with the occasional exception,” junior Colin Walker said. “I prefer online tests over paper tests because you often get results from the test earlier, there is less concern for papers getting lost, and as a whole, I believe that online tests are more efficient.”
Online tests are usually agreed to be the way to go when it comes to quickness and inability for loss. You can’t lose a test on a computer, and online tests are often immediately graded by the platform they’re on, while with paper tests, it could take a long time to see your scores.
“There are several advantages to taking tests online,” Colin said. “Most online tests have some automated grading system in place, which ends up lessening the workload of the teachers grading the test.”
Not only are online tests usually quicker, but they also make things easier for teachers. They can set which answers are correct and which aren’t, making the computer grade for them and taking a load off their shoulders.
While many students have their preferences for each type of testing, public opinion seems to agree that different types for different subjects are the best options. Paper and online tests will continue to combat each other, but at least their favorers can agree that each is better for different subjects.
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PAPER OR ONLINE
With many tests coming up, students display their opinions on test-taking options.
When deciding which method is better, many students have difficulty in deciding just one.
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