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The successful transition from language schools to online testing.
The “BYOD” service simplifies and accelerates the development of online TOEIC tests for centers and schools.
Launched in January 2024, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) revolutionizes TOEIC test-taking conditions with an innovative online format. Candidates no longer need to invest in computer equipment, as they bring their own. Sessions take place at the partner's premises, in any standard classroom. No need for a computer room! With a shorter format than the paper-and-pencil version, the test also offers a tailor-made experience by adapting to the candidate's level.
Two centers, CESI Saint-Nazaire and ISEGCOM Lille, have previewed this new service and are sharing their experience.
CESI Saint-Nazaire and ISEGCOM Lille: two pioneering schools
Béatrice BEDARD, Head of CESI Saint-Nazaire, explained that this transition was motivated by the school's desire to evolve in line with student expectations. The AVEC service, now offered within the school, is fully in line with this approach.
ISEGCOM Lille, for its part, has chosen to integrate the AVEC service to offer greater flexibility and regular testing sessions to its students who need a TOEIC score to prepare for a semester abroad.
Alexandra Costenoble, Head of Teaching at the school, emphasizes:
“With the digital format, everything is completed in an hour, which is ideal for our schedule”.
A choice motivated by diversity and accessibility
For Béatrice BEDARD (CESI Saint-Nazaire), theBYOD service meets the diverse needs of students.
“It's essential to offer several test formats to suit different profiles, but also to diversify test-taking options to make TOEIC tests accessible to everyone”, she explains.
In her view, the paper-based format of the TOEIC tests created a mismatch: candidates, accustomed to practicing online, suddenly had to switch to paper for the final test. “We train them on PCs, and on the day of the test, they take the test on paper. It's a real paradox,” she points out.
Digital technology offers a more fluid experience, in line with the tools used in the classroom on a daily basis. “Digital is clearly the future,” she concludes.
Alexandra Costenoble adds that the flexibility of the BYOD service is a major asset:
“We can register students even at the very last moment, and that's really appreciated,” she explains.
A test that adapts to different candidate levels
For those schools previously using the paper/pencil format, one of the main advantages of the AVEC service is that it benefits from the online adaptive format, which adjusts the difficulty of the questions according to the candidate's level. Beatrice BEDARD notes that this allows us to offer each student a test that really suits them.
“Those who have more difficulty may be offered a slightly simpler test, while those who are more at ease will be challenged with more complex questions,” she explains.
This approach helps students to stay focused and motivated throughout the test.
“One of the biggest advantages is that students aren't demoralized, as could happen before. On the contrary, everyone progresses at their own pace,” she observes.
To ensure that test-taking conditions are optimal, Alexandra Costenoble recommends providing a calm, well-lit environment, and informing students well in advance about instructions and equipment. She insists: “To prepare your students properly, give them as many instructions as possible beforehand, particularly concerning headsets and the differences between PCs and Macs.”
Scores on the rise
Thanks to the digital format of the AVEC service, the waiting time for results is considerably reduced, enabling candidates to find out their score in no more than three hours, and to reschedule a test quickly if they have not achieved the expected result.
Béatrice BEDARD has observed a marked improvement in scores, notably for a student who wanted to obtain a better result for his file: “In his second session, one of our students improved by 70 points, and achieved a score of 845 points out of 990 on the TOEIC Listening and Reading test.”
She attributes this success to a smoother, less stressful environment.
“When they're in real-life conditions, with the headset and the calm environment of the digital test, they feel more at ease. It's really the best format for them to give their best,” she confides.
ISEGCOM Lille confirms this trend: one student increased her score because she was able to retake the test quickly and with less stress the second time around.
In her own words: “Thanks to the flexible organization of the sessions, she was able to retake the test and get the result she wanted. In a few weeks' time, she'll be leaving for California to do semester 6.
Responsive technical support
For both schools, the success of this transition rests largely on the quality of the technical support provided by the ETS France teams.
Although CESI Saint-Nazaire had to make a few adjustments at the outset, Béatrice BEDARD told us that these were quickly resolved thanks to responsive support.
ISEGCOM Lille also emphasized the quality of the support provided upstream of the transition. “We were well briefed by the teams and were able to ask all our questions.
A flexible tool that simplifies TOEIC test organization
The simpler logistics of the AVEC service are particularly appreciated by both schools: Alexandra Costenoble confirms: “There's less paper, and it's much simpler and quicker to start a session”.
Beatrice BEDARD also adds that this solution is more respectful of the environment: “Everything is on computer, so it's simpler, faster and more ecological”.
She also highlights one of the major advantages of this digital format: the speed with which results are sent.
“Before, you had to wait almost 9 days to get the results. Now, with the digital format, it's instantaneous”, she enthuses.
A lasting transition
Convinced of the advantages of the BYOD service, Béatrice BEDARD confirms her intention to maintain this format for the long term:
“We're going to continue with the BOYD service to avoid being left behind by technological developments. It's a real necessity to help our students perform.
Alexandra COSTENOBLE shares this enthusiasm and sums up her experience with these 3 words: “Fluid, practical, efficient.”
The experience of CESI Saint-Nazaire and ISEGCOM Lille illustrates a successful transition to online TOEIC testing. By offering an adaptive, flexible format in line with current needs, the AVEC service has simplified TOEIC test management and enhanced the student experience.
Beatrice BEDARD concludes enthusiastically: “It's a real revolution for us and for the students.”