Towards digitalised language assessment in Spanish Official Language Schools (EOI): current opportunities and challenges

Online and hybrid courses that integrate technology and complement in-person teaching are increasing in Official Language Schools (EOI, Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas) in Spain. Digitalised online assessment, as a process encompassing taking the tests, either in person in the traditional classroom or remotely and subsequently their correction and marking, renders the logical outcome of this technology-mediated learning. In order to analyse the digitalisation process and the adaptation of our traditional print-based tests to a new computerised format, at the Distance Official Language School of Navarra (EOIDNA), one of the three EOI in the province of Navarra, we have carried out an experimental study with students who took their language tests (N=144) either under direct in-person instructor supervision (N=127) or through proctored online software (N=17). In this paper, we describe the contributions generated as perceived by students and test instructors. Results have shown that a vast majority of students reported a positive or neutral effect of taking the test on their computers and stated that the experience was satisfactory. Additionally, the transformed tests have resulted in quickly accessible and flexible administration and efficient management and storage of student test records for instructors.