Schools Poised for Digital Assessment Shift

A new report by Gradeo and the CSSA uncovers how ready NSW schools are for the shift to online assessments, as traditional pen-and-paper exams begin the transition online. The report highlights key findings from a pilot of 350 students across six schools, revealing an appetite for digital learning tools and the urgent need for better assessment solutions.

As the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) prepares to roll out online HSC exams for Science Extension (2019), Software Engineering (2025), and Enterprise Computing (2025) - with English Extension 1 and English Extension 2 on the way in 2027 - the demand for high-quality online assessment platforms is surging. Globally, more than 100 jurisdictions, including the UK, have embraced digital exams for high-stakes assessments, and NSW is following suit.

Key Insights:

• Students Are Digital Champions: Over 60% of students are comfortable using online platforms for assessments, with 80% finding online resources “very useful.” The shift to digital learning is not just happening—it’s thriving.
• Past Papers Still Reign: Despite abundant resources, many students struggle to find quality study materials. Past papers remain a cornerstone of study, yet nearly a third of students rarely or never use them. Teachers are using them more than ever to help prepare students for exams.
• The Big Spend on Online Tools: HSC students are investing an average of $232 in online assessment platforms, with premium tools like Atomi and Edrolo leading the charge in popularity.
• Stress and Strain: The pressure is on for students and teachers alike, with 90% of students struggling to stay motivated and two-thirds feeling frequent stress. For teachers, workload is the number one stressor, with many spending over 10 hours a week on lesson and assessment prep.

Monica O'Brien, Head of Assessment at Catholic Schools NSW, shared her thoughts on the findings:
“Teacher workload is at breaking point, and there’s an urgent need for rigorous, quality-assured test instruments that build teacher capacity, save teachers time and improve student outcomes. As NESA shifts more exams online, teachers must, and want to adapt to better prepare students for academic excellence and success.”

Gradeo Founder, Alex Dore, added:
“Students and teachers are digital natives, but this report shows they’ve truly become digital champions. The demand for online learning and assessment tools is stronger than ever, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this shift.”

For those eager to dive deeper into the Exploring Readiness for Online Assessment Across NSW Schools Insight Report, access is available by signing up for the waitlist on the Gradeo website.