Optimum Assessment

In the rapidly evolving landscape of candidate and employee assessment, the role of AI has become a central and highly debated topic.

Particularly, the growth of advanced technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-driven evaluation tools has been nothing short of exponential. What initially began as rudimentary grammar checkers and content generation engines has since matured into sophisticated instruments capable of assessing, interpreting, generating, and analysing responses.

Notably, major technology players such as Microsoft and Google have made substantial investments in this domain, underscoring the undeniable transformation AI is bringing to the assessment arena.

With these promising developments in mind, Optimum Assessment is gearing up for further innovation of its products.

The company is on the path of revamping the online assessments process by integrating the prowess of AI into its Optimum Assessment platform. This synergy will allow real-time exam generation using psychometric data for each question, resulting in tailored exams with precise difficulty levels for each candidate.

“Our goal is to demonstrate our platform users that AI can augment the exam creation process and empower them towards more tailored and equitable assessment experience, anytime and anywhere,” says Martin van de Berge, CEO, Optimum Assessment.

An example of Optimum Assessment’s appetite for innovation is the use of linear-on-the-flying-testing (LOFT) integrated with AI

LOFT is an older method for creating exams with unique content for each candidate. However, AI presents an opportunity to revolutionise this process by tailoring exams in real time based on psychometric data. This means that each exam item can be adjusted to match the specific difficulty level required for a candidate’s assessment.

The benefits of this approach are twofold. Firstly, using LOFT with AI allows for the creation of exams with diverse content while maintaining an equivalent level of difficulty for the entire candidate population. This contrasts with the current practice, which involves generating multiple exam variants and calibrating pass marks after results are collected.

With LOFT and AI, the need for post-exam calibration is eliminated. The exam is already assembled based on the necessary psychometric data, ensuring a unique test for each candidate at the appropriate difficulty level. This is an area Optimum Assessment is actively exploring and planning to integrate into our platform in the coming years.

This innovative approach streamlines assessment procedures for organisations, optimising the entire process with Optimum Assessment’s enhanced platform.

Amplifying Assessment Process Without Replacing Human Expertise

Optimum Assessment seeks to combine AI with human expertise to enhance their platform.

The team believes it augments the speed of the process without compromising on the test quality.

Rather than replacing experienced professionals who create exam content, it sees an opportunity to collaborate. Using AI to leverage their knowledge, the users can generate higher-quality questions and content. This means users can access a broader and more diverse question bank. For instance, inputting one question into the platform can result in AI algorithm generating multiple variations on the same topic, making assessments more comprehensive.

This AI-driven approach aims to improve test quality by avoiding predictability and ensuring each exam is unique and challenging.

“The intuitive use of AI not only boosts the diversity of your content but also fortifies the integrity of assessments, making them more robust against potential leaks or memorisation tactics,” says Adnan Maakoul, product manager, Optimum Assessment.

Our goal is to demonstrate our platform users that AI can augment the exam creation process and empower them towards more tailored and equitable assessment experience, anytime and anywhere

Optimum Assessment sees the collaboration between human expertise and AI in content creation as just the beginning. It anticipates its impact across all stages of the assessment process, from question development to candidate testing and evaluator grading.

For instance, consider its role in enhancing language skill assessments, as seen in the Netherlands during immigration exams for Dutch proficiency. Initially, the platform assisted human assessors in evaluating speaking, writing, and listening skills. With AI integration, the process will become even more faster and efficient, ensuring quicker evaluations while preserving the essential human element in assessments.

The team at Optimum Assessment understands traditional open-ended question scoring can be subjective due to human evaluators’ biases. However, integrating AI tools with human evaluators promises a more objective and consistent candidate evaluation, guaranteeing accuracy and fairness beyond the conventional means.

The use of AI in the platform will also facilitate proactive fraud detection through identification of unusual patterns in exam deliveries. This proactive approach, unlike the reactive industry norm, can detect fraud early, ensuring exam integrity and enhancing platform credibility. During live exams, invigilators can instantly recognise these patterns, allowing prompt alerts.

Paving the Way for the Future of Optimal Assessments

By actively engaging in collaborative research with a leading Dutch University, Optimum Assessment is planning to bring out all these features to its platform and enhance the assessment process. It is not solely relying on theoretical insights but is also working with industry peers to develop practical solutions. Its goal is to seamlessly integrate real-world assessment experiences into a virtual setting to meet and surpass customer expectations.

For, instance, its in-depth research with a significant partner has shown promising results, indicating that implementing AI in grading is both feasible and poised to change the landscape of automated scoring.

With this dedication and forward-thinking approach, Optimum Assessment is not just aligning with but leading future assessment trends, reshaping its platform for the better.