Unique
The on-screen examinations are unique because as well as being technologically innovative they are distinctively MYP as students use the authentic assessment approach to demonstrate conceptual understanding and the ability to apply knowledge in complex, unfamiliar contexts, including the use of global contexts.
Unlike other examination systems, the IB MYP on-screen examinations focus 75% of the assessment explicitly on inquiry, communication, and critical thinking skills. This makes the application of a student’s skilsl set more important than knowledge recall.
Technologically innovative
MYP on-screen exams are constructed as a series of tasks that sample, simulate or replicate school based assessment practices.
The interface of the on-screen examinations is intuitive in design and function, drawing from social media and web-based sites that students are familiar with.
The exam questions are friendly to English language learners. The IB has built special features in the exams such as hover-text to explain or define words that may be difficult for students, particularly students taking the exam in a second language.
To ensure that on-screen examinations are rich and authentic, media and interactive functions are used to engage students. On-screen tools help them understand tasks and questions better. These include:
- Drag and drop; cut and paste; copy and paste
- Play, pause and replay video and animations
- Interaction with animations and simulations
- The ability to plot graphs and draw lines and pictures
- On-screen (graphing) calculators
Interdisciplinary learning on-screen examination
The MYP interdisciplinary learning examination is the only examination for students aged 15 and 16 that assesses interdisciplinary understanding– giving students the ability to learn to make connections between different areas of knowledge.
As MYP students engage in at least one collaboratively planned interdisciplinary unit in each year of the programme, this unique on-screen examination is an appropriate and natural culmination their time in the MYP.