Challenge: Preparing for a New Era of Online Assessment
Initially, the academies relied heavily on traditional pen-and-paper exams. Preparing students and teachers for IB’s eAssessment posed significant challenges due to the absence of a platform that could accurately simulate the IB examination experience.
“Time is a major constraint for teachers... Even six months ago, I had teachers asking me why we were using AssessPrep. But that’s where we had to step in and say—look, AI and digital tools are here to help.”
— Vani, Director of Academics across the Aga Khan network.
Moreover, creating digital assessments was cumbersome and time-consuming, leading teachers to prefer traditional methods due to ease and speed.
The Solution: Implementing AssessPrep for Seamless Transition
With AssessPrep, the Academies tackled these challenges through a strategic and iterative adoption of the platform’s features.
Familiarization with Digital Exam Format
Teachers and students collaboratively explored AssessPrep through classroom activities, mock examinations, and departmental trials, significantly easing their transition to digital assessment.
“We tried all sorts of things—from using it as classwork to running full mock exams. We were learning along with our students.”
AI-Powered Efficiency
With AssessPrep’s AI capabilities, introduced prominently post-COVID, teachers experienced substantial time savings in creating and grading assessments. Also, AssessPrep introduced a repository of ready-made assessments and enhanced content creation tools.
Vani emphasizes, “Now is the time to showcase how AI can truly ease teacher workloads and streamline assessments.”
“Earlier it took so much time to create assessments. Now with AI, we can guide teachers to make their work easier and faster.
Cross-Campus Collaboration Support because of Robust ManageBac Integration
AssessPrep’s seamless integration with ManageBac significantly reduced manual workload by automating grade entry and assessment administration, although initial technical integration required troubleshooting. This Integration with ManageBac enabled seamless login across campuses.
Advanced Features and Continuous Development
AssessPrep evolved from a basic platform to an advanced digital assessment solution, regularly incorporating educator feedback. Features like Paper Mode allowed schools to blend traditional assessment practices with digital efficiency.
The Impact: Time Savings, Improved Efficiency, and Enhanced Readiness
The implementation of AssessPrep has transformed teaching, assessment, and school-wide readiness for digital transitions.
Greater Digital Readiness:
Teachers and students grew comfortable with online assessment environments, increasing their confidence in digital tools. Since the students experienced realistic digital exam conditions, leading to higher comfort and performance. Students gained hands-on experience with digital testing environments well ahead of the official IB transition. This early exposure reduced anxiety and built technical fluency in navigating online assessments.
Vani states, "AssessPrep provided students with realistic experiences of online examinations, significantly improving readiness for IB eAssessments."
“It gave students an opportunity to try and test what an online exam feels like. That experience was new—and important—for all of us.”
Student and Teacher Adoption
Despite initial hesitance, rapid adaptation by both teachers and students demonstrated the platform’s intuitiveness and ease of use. AI-supported instructions encouraged teachers to rethink how assessments are designed and delivered. Math and science departments began transitioning their tasks digitally.
“We were learning with the students. We sat together, tested different features, and slowly built confidence in the platform.”
Looking Ahead: Piloting Innovative Features
Aga Khan Academies is excited about piloting new AssessPrep functionalities such as the enhanced Paper Mode, designed to support IB’s transition plans for digital DP assessments beginning in 2026. According to Vani, this flexible assessment model—combining digital creation and grading with offline test delivery—is vital for the transition period.
She notes, “This mode will better prepare students and teachers for IB’s planned digital transition, ensuring readiness without sacrificing traditional practices during the transition.”
Additionally, the academies plan to leverage analytics for deeper insights across multiple campuses, aiming to improve overall academic strategies.
Final word from Aga Khan Academies
Aga Khan Academies recognized the importance of preparing for online assessments early on, and AssessPrep has been a valuable partner in this journey, particularly for the MYP eAssessments.
“AssessPrep has significantly contributed to our journey towards embracing IB’s digital assessment philosophy. With continuous innovation, excellent support, and essential integrations like ManageBac, it has become instrumental in our academic and technological development.”
— Vani, Director of Academics, Aga Khan Academies
Ready to transform assessments at your school?
Book a Demo or Contact Us to explore AssessPrep's IB-aligned, digitally robust solutions.
