Using the Digital Platform ExamSoft in Veterinary Anatomy and Parasitology Assessments in Written and Laboratory Components

Abstract

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), with a class size of 162, is one of the largest in the nation. In an effort to streamline examination procedures, create a consistent assessment format among courses, replace paper exams, track test questions linked to learning objectives, and reduce exam grading time, our DVM program adopted the use of ExamSoft for core courses beginning in the autumn semester 2014. ExamSoft is an electronic assessment application, which provides a secure testing environment and robust reporting features. CVM uses it for high stakes midterm and finals. Although easily adopted into a didactic course format, its application in laboratory-based examinations proved challenging. Designing, setting up and grading exams for Anatomy and Parasitology courses with a laboratory component have always required substantial time investment, and adding a testing application to the process demanded rethinking and restructuring logistics. After two semesters of process refinement and standardization of a testing device to the iPad, faculty teaching in the Anatomy and Parasitology courses were able to implement ExamSoft in a laboratory setting to realize the same assessment and efficiency gains. Here we describe the benefits of ExamSoft testing in the written and laboratory settings and the lessons learned during the 2-year transition.