After COVID-19, we experienced a swift transition to digital examinations. In 2022, as we searched for new digital assessment software, Ans caught our attention. What stands out the most for us, in addition to the diverse capabilities for digital assessments, is Ans's ability to integrate traditional assessment methods like scan cards and paper-based tests through scanning functionalities. This ensured a seamless blend of traditional and modern assessment practices.

Since introducing Ans, students have reported scarcely any difficulties, demonstrating the platform's user-friendly design. Specific functionalities within Ans, such as accessibility features, an overview of the questions, a chat feature with instructors, facilitate a more accessible and structured learning experience. Ultimately, making the learning process easier and encouraging students' self-regulation skills. The application of learning objectives and domains within Ans provides students with targeted insights, enhancing students' study efficiency and promoting more effective learning strategies.

Initially, dedicating time to develop questions with detailed feedback (criteria) and thoughtfully planning your (automatic) assessment strategy is essential. It's worth the effort to learn how to effectively use the item banks and learning objectives. Through the item bank, you construct a database of questions. Utilizing these questions provides insights into their quality and difficulty, as well as the overarching learning objective/domain. This enables the refinement of your lessons and teaching methods. You'll need to take some time initially to get acquainted with the platform (e.g. design language), but it ultimately saves you a lot of time later on.

The onboarding process demanded a considerable time commitment and investment from the HOGENT innovation and learning team. Ans offers a diverse array of features designed to meet the needs of both summative and formative assessments, enhancing its value proposition for educational institutions. Given the price of the software, it's essential to make a strategic choice that aligns with the organization's long-term strategy. We invest in thorough training sessions to ensure that educators are adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills required to effectively utilize the platform. Throughout the onboarding process and beyond, Ans offers us excellent support and listens to our needs.