ExamSoft - Detailed Review
Education Tools
ExamSoft - Product Overview
ExamSoft Overview
ExamSoft is a comprehensive digital assessment platform that plays a significant role in the education sector, particularly in the areas of exam creation, administration, and analysis.Primary Function
ExamSoft’s primary function is to provide a secure, efficient, and user-friendly way for educators to create, deliver, and analyze exams. This platform is designed to measure student learning outcomes and improve overall educational performance.Target Audience
The target audience for ExamSoft includes educational institutions, certification programs, and licensing bodies across various fields such as higher education, nursing, medical, and law. It serves over 1,900 prominent academic, certification, and licensing programs.Key Features
Exam Creation and Management
- Educators can import and bank exam questions, tag them to learning outcomes, and author assessments through a single intuitive portal.
- Exams can be uploaded to the XAM Manager, and instructors can preview and make necessary adjustments before the exam is posted.
Secure Delivery
- Exams can be delivered to virtually any device, and the test-taking application, Examplify, completely locks down exam-taker devices to prevent cheating. Students cannot access the internet, screensavers, files, programs, or applications while taking an exam.
Offline Capability
- Exams can be administered offline, ensuring a reliable and secure test experience even without an internet connection.
Instant Grading and Feedback
- The platform offers instant grading and provides organized and visualized results, enabling educators to give crucial feedback to students immediately after the exam.
Performance Data and Analytics
- ExamSoft aggregates real-time data to provide insights into student learning, helping educators measure performance against programmatic outcomes and make informed decisions on curricula and student remediation.
Support and Training
- The platform provides robust online and training support to ensure smooth implementation and use by faculty and staff.
Conclusion
In summary, ExamSoft is a versatile and secure assessment solution that streamlines the entire exam process, from creation to analysis, and offers valuable insights to enhance student learning outcomes. ExamSoft - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of ExamSoft is crafted to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible for both educators and students.
For Educators
Exam Management
- The ExamSoft platform allows educators to manage exam content, import and bank exam questions, and author assessments from a single, easy-to-use portal. This portal enables the tagging of exam items to specific learning outcomes and categories, which simplifies the process of creating and managing assessments.
- The system is designed to streamline administrative tasks, such as generating performance reports and pulling customizable reports for accreditation visits. This helps educators save time and focus more on teaching and improving student learning.
- The interface provides powerful analytics tools that allow educators to monitor course, category, and student performance. This helps in identifying gaps in the curriculum and guiding student remediation efforts.
For Students
Test-Taking Experience
- The test-taking application, Examplify, delivers assessments to students’ devices and ensures a secure testing environment. Once the exam starts, students can only access the exam content, and the app locks down the device to prevent cheating by blocking access to the internet, files, programs, and other applications.
- Examplify saves student work automatically every 60 seconds, along with additional backups and snapshots, to ensure that their answers are safe. The app also offers various features such as timers, the ability to suspend the exam, and tools for viewing attachments and answering different types of questions.
- The interface of Examplify is straightforward, allowing students to proceed through the exam using the various features of the user interface as needed. The font of the exam can also be adjusted for better readability.
Ease of Use
- Users have reported that ExamSoft is generally easy to integrate and use, with strong features that make exam taking and management straightforward. The platform’s ability to import questions from word documents or learning management systems (LMS) and to categorize exam items simplifies the assessment process.
- However, some users have noted occasional issues such as crashes during exams, particularly in older versions of the software. Despite these, the overall feedback suggests that the platform is reliable and user-friendly, especially with recent updates and improvements.
Overall User Experience
- The overall user experience is enhanced by the platform’s ability to provide real-time student performance data, instant grading, and organized results. This allows for immediate feedback to students and helps in making informed decisions on curricula and student remediation.
- The cloud-based solution ensures that faculty and exam takers can use the software seamlessly from any location, on any device, without persistent internet requirements. This flexibility contributes to a positive user experience.
Conclusion
In summary, ExamSoft’s user interface is designed to be intuitive, efficient, and secure, making it a valuable tool for both educators and students in managing and taking assessments. While there may be occasional technical issues, the platform’s features and overall performance generally contribute to a positive user experience.
ExamSoft - Key Features and Functionality
ExamSoft Overview
ExamSoft is a comprehensive digital assessment platform that offers a range of features and functionalities to support educators in creating, delivering, and analyzing exams. Here are the main features and how they work:Exam Content Management
ExamSoft allows educators to upload exam items and tag them by category, learning outcomes, or accreditation criteria. This is done through an intuitive portal where exam questions can be imported, banked, and authored into assessments.Assessment Delivery
The platform delivers assessments via the Examplify application, which can be downloaded on virtually any computer or tablet. Exams can be administered offline, ensuring a secure testing environment without the need for a persistent internet connection. This feature locks down the exam-taker’s device, preventing access to the internet, files, programs, and applications that could facilitate cheating.Security and Integrity
ExamSoft includes several security features to prevent academic dishonesty. The two-step identity verification system eliminates exam-taker impersonation, and the platform can identify and deter cheating without the need for an in-person proctor. The integration of proctoring technology from iSchoolConnect further enhances the ability to conduct proctored assessments remotely.Analytics and Reporting
The platform provides powerful analytics tools that aggregate real-time student performance data. This data helps educators identify gaps in the curriculum, track course and student performance, and make informed decisions on curricula and student remediation. Category-based reporting allows educators to pinpoint areas where students need improvement, guiding study habits and improving student outcomes.AI-Powered Tools
ExamSoft has integrated AI through the CompetencyGenie™ Chrome extension, developed in partnership with Enflux. This AI-powered solution streamlines the categorization and tagging of exam items, mapping them to Bloom’s Taxonomy and discipline-specific competencies. This integration helps educators focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks, enhancing the learning experience for students.Offline Assessment
Exams can be taken without an internet connection, ensuring a reliable and secure test experience whether in-class or remote. This feature is particularly useful in environments where internet connectivity is unreliable.Instant Grading and Feedback
The platform streamlines the post-exam experience with instant grading and results that are organized and visualized. This allows educators to provide crucial feedback to students promptly, which is essential for improving student learning outcomes.Accreditation Compliance
ExamSoft helps educators demonstrate standard compliance by tagging exam items to accreditation criteria and generating detailed reports. This feature is crucial for institutions needing to meet accreditation standards.User-Friendly Interface
The platform is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for educators to create, deliver, and analyze exams. The cloud-based solution handles technical issues, allowing faculty and exam takers to use the software seamlessly from any location, on any device.Conclusion
In summary, ExamSoft offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enhance the assessment process, ensure exam integrity, and provide valuable insights into student learning, all while leveraging AI to streamline administrative tasks and improve educational outcomes. ExamSoft - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
ExamSoft has been praised for its efficiency and effectiveness in managing assessment processes. Here are some highlights:Streamlined Assessment Management
- The platform streamlines the creation, delivery, and analysis of exams, reducing the workload for instructors. It allows educators to import and bank exam questions, tag them to learning outcomes, and author assessments in a single, intuitive portal.
Reduced Grading Time
- ExamSoft’s computer-based testing platform significantly reduces grading time and minimizes human error inherent in hand grading. This is particularly evident in studies where institutions have transitioned to ExamSoft, resulting in improved efficiency and accuracy in reporting.
Immediate Feedback
- The system provides immediate, interactive feedback to students, which reinforces the learning process. For example, in veterinary anatomy and parasitology assessments, ExamSoft enabled students to see and discuss materials post-examination, enhancing their learning experience.
Accuracy
The accuracy of ExamSoft is supported by several features:Item Analysis Function
- The item analysis function is highly regarded for its ability to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple-choice questions. It helps ensure that questions measure learning at the appropriate level and identifies any issues with item distractors. This feature has been characterized as a worthy investment by institutions that have implemented it.
Detailed Insights
- ExamSoft’s ability to map multiple-choice responses and analyze item difficulty, discrimination indices, and point biserial correlations provides detailed insights into student learning. This helps instructors to monitor and adjust the curriculum accordingly.
Comprehensive Reporting
- The platform’s reporting capabilities are comprehensive, allowing for real-time student performance data that can be used to make informed decisions on curricula and student remediation. For instance, Northwestern Oklahoma State School of Nursing saw a significant increase in passage rates after using ExamSoft’s detailed reporting to identify and remediate at-risk students.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While ExamSoft is highly effective, there are a few areas to consider:Cost
- Cost: Although ExamSoft is often described as cost-effective, especially in the long run by reducing costs associated with traditional assessment methods like paper printing, there is an initial investment required. Institutions need to weigh the costs against the benefits, which include reduced faculty workload and improved assessment efficiency.
Technical Requirements
- Technical Requirements: While ExamSoft’s cloud-based solution is generally seamless, there might be occasional technical issues. However, the platform is designed to operate offline for secure testing environments, which mitigates some of these concerns.
Faculty Buy-In
- Faculty Buy-In: Successful implementation of ExamSoft requires faculty buy-in and support. Institutions need to ensure that faculty are comfortable with the technology and its features to maximize its benefits.
Engagement and Feedback
ExamSoft enhances engagement through its interactive feedback mechanisms. Students can see their answers and discuss materials post-examination, which reinforces their learning. The platform also provides real-time data and visualized results, allowing instructors to offer crucial feedback promptly. In summary, ExamSoft performs well in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and engagement. Its features such as item analysis, real-time feedback, and detailed reporting make it a valuable tool for educational institutions. However, it is important for institutions to consider the initial costs and ensure faculty support for a successful implementation. ExamSoft - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure of ExamSoft
When it comes to the pricing structure of ExamSoft, the information available is somewhat limited but clear on a few key points.
No Standard Pricing Tiers
ExamSoft does not offer predefined pricing tiers or plans that are publicly listed. Instead, they provide custom pricing based on the specific needs of the institution or organization.
No Free Plan
There is no free plan or free trial available for ExamSoft. This means that institutions must contact ExamSoft directly to get a quote for their services.
Features and Capabilities
Despite the lack of detailed pricing, ExamSoft’s features are well-documented. The platform includes tools for creating, delivering, and analyzing exams, as well as ensuring exam security through its test-taking application, Examplify. Key features include:
- The ability to import and bank exam questions, tag them to learning outcomes, and author assessments in a single portal.
- Offline exam administration and instant grading capabilities.
- Real-time student performance data and analytics to inform curriculum decisions and student remediation.
- Advanced security measures, including device lockdown and two-step identity verification to prevent academic dishonesty.
Custom Quotations
To get an accurate price, institutions need to contact ExamSoft directly. This approach allows for a tailored solution that meets the specific requirements of each educational institution.
Conclusion
In summary, while ExamSoft does not provide public pricing details or offer free plans, it offers a comprehensive assessment platform with advanced features and security measures. Institutions can obtain custom quotations by contacting the company directly.
ExamSoft - Integration and Compatibility
ExamSoft Integration Overview
ExamSoft integrates seamlessly with various Learning Management Systems (LMS) and offers compatibility across a range of devices, making it a versatile tool for educational institutions.Integration with Learning Management Systems
ExamSoft integrates with popular LMS platforms such as D2L (Desire2Learn) and Canvas. This integration allows for the efficient transfer of student rosters, courses, and grades between the LMS and ExamSoft’s platform. Here’s how it works:Integration with D2L
Integration with Canvas
Compatibility Across Devices
ExamSoft’s assessment tool, Examplify, is compatible with several devices and operating systems, although there are some specific requirements:Windows and Mac Laptops
iPads
Unsupported Devices
Additional Requirements
For optimal performance, ExamSoft recommends using devices with specific configurations:Virtual Environments
It’s important to note that using Examplify in virtual environments, such as VMWare, Parallels, or Citrix workspace, is a violation of the End-User License Agreement (EULA) and is not supported. By ensuring these requirements are met, ExamSoft provides a seamless and secure assessment experience across various platforms and devices, making it a reliable choice for educational institutions. ExamSoft - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
ExamSoft offers a comprehensive range of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users have a smooth and supportive experience with their education tools.24/7 Phone Support
One of the primary support options is the 24/7 phone support. Users in the US and Canada can call 866-429-8889, ext. 1, while international users can dial 1 954-429-8889, ext. 1. There are also specific phone numbers for various countries, ensuring global coverage.Help Center and Guides
ExamSoft provides a Help Center where users can access helpful how-to guides and software manuals. This resource is invaluable for troubleshooting common issues and learning how to use the ExamSoft portal and the Examplify application effectively.Technical Support
For issues related to the installation or operation of the Examplify program, users can contact the 24/7 ExamSoft Technical Support line. This support is available to both exam-takers and administrators, addressing problems such as anti-virus software conflicts and camera recording concerns.Email Support
If users cannot get through to the support line immediately, they have the option to request a call back when they are at the top of the queue. Additionally, for specific issues, users can email the support team for further assistance.Performance Reports and Analytics
Beyond direct support, ExamSoft offers powerful analytics tools that help educators manage exam content, generate performance reports, and identify gaps in the curriculum. This allows for better student outcomes and more effective teaching strategies.Identity Verification and Academic Integrity
The platform includes a two-step identity verification system to prevent exam-taker impersonation and tools to identify and deter academic dishonesty, both in-person and during remote exams. These features ensure the integrity of assessments and maintain academic standards.Training and Implementation
ExamSoft’s Implementation and Training Team assists faculty and staff in setting up and using the platform efficiently. This support helps educational programs streamline their assessment processes and ensure a smooth transition to digital assessments.Partnerships and Ready-Made Content
ExamSoft partners with other leading assessment providers to offer ready-made item banks and nationally benchmarked exam content. This collaboration enhances the quality and relevance of the assessments, making it easier for educators to create and administer exams. By providing these extensive support options and resources, ExamSoft ensures that users can effectively utilize their education tools, address any issues promptly, and focus on improving student learning outcomes. ExamSoft - Pros and Cons
ExamSoft as an Education Tool
When considering ExamSoft as an education tool, there are several key advantages and disadvantages to be aware of.
Advantages
Security and Integrity
One of the standout features of ExamSoft is its ability to secure the integrity of exams. The software completely locks down the exam-taker’s device, blocking access to the internet, screensavers, files, programs, and applications that could facilitate cheating.
Offline Exam Capability
ExamSoft allows for exams to be administered offline, ensuring that exams can proceed even without a stable internet connection.
Automated Grading and Feedback
The software offers automated grading, which saves time for educators and provides instant feedback and results to students. It also includes features like spell and grammar checks, word count, and the ability to adjust font sizes.
Comprehensive Assessment Tools
ExamSoft includes a range of assessment tools such as question banking, randomized question order, proctoring integration, and plagiarism detection. These tools help in creating, delivering, and analyzing exams efficiently.
Detailed Analytics
The software provides real-time student performance data, which helps educators make informed decisions on curricula and student remediation. It also offers detailed feedback on areas of strength and weakness in students’ understanding of the material.
User-Friendly Interface and Support
Despite some criticisms, many users find the interface user-friendly, and the software offers various support options including phone support, live support, training, and documentation.
Disadvantages
Crashes and Stability Issues
A significant drawback is that ExamSoft can sometimes crash during exams, leading to the loss of work for students. This issue has been reported by several users, particularly in high-stakes environments like law school.
Outdated Interface
Some users have criticized the interface as outdated and not very user-friendly. This can cause frustration, especially during exams when any added stress is undesirable.
Performance Issues
There have been complaints about the software being slow and not very responsive. Previous updates have also been problematic, with reports of frequent shutdowns.
Navigation Complications
A few users have noted that navigation during an exam can be a bit complicated, which can add unnecessary stress during the exam process.
Overall, ExamSoft offers strong security features and comprehensive assessment tools, but it also has some notable drawbacks related to stability and user experience.
ExamSoft - Comparison with Competitors
AI-Driven Education Tools
When considering AI-driven education tools similar to ExamSoft, several alternatives stand out for their unique features and capabilities.ExamSoft Key Features
ExamSoft is known for its secure assessment tools, which include device lockdown and WiFi blocking to maintain academic integrity. It provides detailed assessment feedback, categorizes questions to identify student strengths and weaknesses, and offers class-wide and program-wide data trends to assess curriculum gaps. It also links performance data to key student learning outcomes, aiding in accreditation standards.Alternatives and Their Unique Features
YouTestMe
YouTestMe is a highly secured, web-based platform that supports multi-lingual examinations, training, surveys, and certification. It stands out with its extensive reporting module, customization options via API, and add-ons like E-commerce, Single Sign-On, and Remote Proctoring. It uses AI to generate comprehensive training courses and tests quickly, making it a strong alternative for government, business, and education institutions.Synap
Synap is an intelligent online platform focused on question-based learning. It allows educators to create, deliver, and manage practice exams and high-stakes exam preparations. Synap offers features like portal branding, course and exam creation, e-commerce shops, and detailed reporting. It also includes integrated proctoring services to ensure exam validity and learner monitoring.assessmentQ
assessmentQ is a versatile platform for online assessments and practice, offering over 20 unique question types. It is reliable in various internet conditions and provides objective tests with reliable insights. assessmentQ allows for the delivery of assessments as real learning opportunities and offers a free 30-day trial without requiring a credit card.Prov
Prov’s online testing system is notable for its convenience and security. It runs on multiple devices and browsers without needing candidate downloads. Prov’s ExamRoom.ai™ provides proctoring services, ensuring a smooth and secure test experience for candidates. This makes it a strong competitor in terms of user experience and security.MegaExams
MegaExams is an online exam platform that automates the creation and evaluation of exams. It boasts a comprehensive question bank with over 500,000 questions for major competitive exams. Teachers can create, share, and evaluate smart online exams quickly, and students can practice unlimited mock tests. The platform provides detailed reports and instant access to test results, making it easier to track class performance.Other Notable Alternatives
Canvas LMS
Canvas LMS, while not exclusively an assessment tool, is often cited as a top alternative to ExamSoft. It offers a comprehensive learning management system with features that include quiz and exam tools, though it may not have the same level of security and assessment-specific features as ExamSoft.Blackboard and Schoology
Blackboard and Schoology are other learning management systems that offer assessment tools, but they are more generalized and may not match ExamSoft’s specialized features in secure assessments and detailed feedback.AI Integration
Several of these alternatives integrate AI to enhance their functionalities. For example, YouTestMe uses AI to generate training courses and tests, while Synap and assessmentQ use AI for creating and managing assessments. These AI-driven features help streamline the process of creating and administering exams, providing real-time feedback, and ensuring academic integrity.Conclusion
In summary, each of these alternatives offers unique features that cater to different needs within the education sector. While ExamSoft excels in secure assessments and detailed feedback, alternatives like YouTestMe, Synap, and assessmentQ provide a range of features that can be more suitable depending on the specific requirements of an institution. ExamSoft - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about ExamSoft, along with detailed responses to each:
What are the system requirements for using ExamSoft’s Examplify?
Examplify can be used on most modern computers. For Windows, it is recommended to use Windows 10, although it supports previous versions. For Mac, it works on most modern Mac OS X-based computers, typically those purchased within the last 3-4 years. Specific system requirements can be found on the respective institution’s support pages or directly from ExamSoft.
How do I install and set up ExamSoft’s Examplify?
To install Examplify, you need to download and install the client from your institution’s ExamSoft portal. The process is generally straightforward, and you can find detailed instructions on your institution’s website. If you need in-person assistance, many institutions offer help desks where IT staff can guide you through the installation.
What should I do on exam day to ensure everything runs smoothly?
On exam day, make sure to disable your antivirus software, as it may interfere with Examplify. Ensure you are logged in to your account using your institution’s login credentials. Also, verify that your device is connected to the Internet, especially if you need to upload your exam. If you encounter any issues, check your internet connection and retry uploading the exam or contact ExamSoft support.
Can I use ExamSoft’s Examplify on multiple devices?
Yes, you can download and install Examplify on multiple devices, but be aware that exams are typically restricted to one download per exam file. This means you should only download the exam file to the computer or device you intend to use for the exam to avoid any issues.
How does ExamSoft handle exam uploads and internet connectivity?
Your exam is automatically uploaded when you save and exit the exam, provided your device is connected to the Internet. If you encounter issues uploading your exam or receive a message indicating no internet connection, ensure your device is connected to the internet, then click “retry” or close and reopen the Examplify application. If you are past the upload deadline, you will need to contact your professor to request an extension.
What kind of support is available for ExamSoft users?
ExamSoft offers 24/7 support. You can contact them by phone at (954) 429-8889 or by email at support@examsoft.com. Additionally, many institutions provide in-person support at their help desks, where IT staff can assist with installation and troubleshooting.
Does ExamSoft offer any features for grading and assessment?
Yes, ExamSoft streamlines the entire assessment process. It allows for automated scoring of objective exams and quizzes, reducing the time spent grading. The platform also provides advanced assessment data for robust reporting, enabling faculty and administrators to make informed decisions quickly.
Can I use ExamSoft for remote testing?
Yes, ExamSoft supports secure, remote testing on student-owned devices. This feature helps cut exam facility costs and allows for more flexible testing arrangements.
How do I troubleshoot common issues with ExamSoft?
If you encounter any technical issues, such as unusual behavior with the application, you should contact ExamSoft’s technical support directly. They can remote onto your machine to troubleshoot the problem. You can reach them at (866) 429-8889 during their support hours.
Is there a free trial or free plan available for ExamSoft?
No, ExamSoft does not offer a free plan or free trial. The pricing is custom and based on quotations from the vendor.
How does ExamSoft ensure the security of exams?
Examplify offers a secure mode that can reboot your computer to ensure a secure testing environment. This mode prevents access to unauthorized resources during the exam. Additionally, the platform is designed to uphold the value of the credential your exam provides by ensuring the integrity of the testing process.