The challenge: A need for realistic eAssessment practice

ISA’s academic team recognized the unique demands of IB eAssessments—particularly for MYP Year 5. These computer-based IB exams require technical fluency, including the ability to use virtual calculators, plot graphs, and work with video or audio stimuli.

Before 2019, pen-and-paper exams offered limited opportunities to test these digital skills. Teachers wanted a secure, IB-aligned platform that replicated on-screen assessments, allowing students to practice from MYP Year 4 onward and reduce stress when they faced actual eAssessments in Year 5.

“When we started MYP eAssessments, it was a struggle to understand the interface and put everything online. Now with AssessPrep, students already know the environment—results have improved.”
— Ms. Suklima, MYP Coordinator

The solution: AssessPrep’s versatile digital assessment tool

ISA adopted AssessPrep in 2020 (officially as a customer since 2019), initially for MYP 5 to mirror IB eAssessments. Over time, usage expanded to MYP 4, and eventually, teachers also began leveraging AssessPrep for formative quizzes and the DP level.

Authentic MYP eAssessment practice

AssessPrep’s wide range of digital question types—graph plotting, video or audio prompts, equation editors, etc.—meant teachers could create realistic IB-style tasks:

“At first, we only used AssessPrep for the MYP 5 mock exams, but then realized we can do the same for MYP 4 test weeks. Students get used to the interface earlier, which boosts confidence.”
— Ms. Lara, English Language & Literature Teacher

Question bank & AI-enhanced grading

Over the last year, ISA teachers began using AssessPrep’s library of pre-built IB assessments—mixing or modifying them for their own mock exams. They also tested AI-assisted marking, feeding in custom markschemes:

“We loved that we could quickly pick from ready-made MYP mock exams, then adapt them for our classes. The AI was stricter than us, but it gave great feedback. That third perspective helped standardize our grading.”
— Ms. Lara, English Language & Literature Teacher

User-friendly & low IT overhead

Because AssessPrep is cloud-based and integrates a Safe Exam Browser, ISA had minimal tech changes. Students installed the secure browser on personal laptops; teachers built question sets online. This easily scaled to multiple year levels without requiring new hardware or major network overhauls.

“Four years ago, we only had PDF-based or paper tests. With AssessPrep, we can embed dynamic media—videos, simulations—and truly replicate IB eAssessments. Our teachers appreciate how simple it is to roll out.”
— Ms. Suklima, MYP Coordinator

The student perspective

Elitsa’s journey

Elitsa, a new student at ISA in MYP 5, had always taken paper exams before transferring. Initially, digital testing felt intimidating. But repeated practice weeks on AssessPrep eased that anxiety:

“It was scary at first—so different from pen-and-paper. But by the time I sat the real eAssessment, I’d done so many practice tests in AssessPrep that it felt almost the same layout and steps.”

She also appreciated immediate, individualized feedback. Teachers would attach detailed comments—sometimes scheduling follow-up meetings for extra clarity.

“I used to do everything on paper. Now I see my answers on screen with teacher feedback right there. It’s personalized, and I can improve faster.”

Impact & results: Tangible benefits for students, teachers, and IT team

AssessPrep delivered clear advantages across the board at ISA.

• Enhanced Student Confidence: Practice with the platform familiarized students (MYP 4 & 5) with digital formats, reducing stress for real IB eAssessments. They handled complex tasks like graph plotting more naturally, boosting performance.

• Significant Teacher Time Savings: Educators reclaimed valuable hours using the MYP assessment library. AI-assisted grading further streamlined the process, aiding standardization and allowing more time for high-level feedback.

• Richer, Relevant Assessments: Teachers embedded multimedia to create engaging, real-world tasks. This fostered crucial digital literacy skills as students learned to analyze online information effectively within the platform.

• Low-Maintenance, Secure IT: Implementation was simple. The secure browser ensured exam integrity with minimal infrastructure changes, making roll-out easy across devices and year levels.

“We no longer worry about how to simulate IB conditions—the platform does it for us. Students actually enjoy the variety of question formats. It’s not just multiple choice or short response.”
— Ms. Lara, English Language & Literature Teacher

Looking ahead: Embracing AI & guided research

ISA’s educators intend to incorporate AI more deeply:

• AI Grading: They plan to refine markschemes for improved alignment, ensuring the “strictness” level is well-calibrated.

• Guided Inquiry: There is interest in letting students explore AI for open-book research tasks, teaching students ethical, critical use of generative AI.

“AI and digital assessments aren’t going away. We must teach students how to use them responsibly. The next step is letting them explore, but with the right scaffolding.”
— Ms. Lara, English Language & Literature Teacher

Final word from International School of Almere

By adopting AssessPrep:

• Students feel fully prepared and less anxious about on-screen IB exams.

• Teachers save time on question creation and can standardize grading with AI’s second opinion.

• Administration sees higher success rates and minimal IT headaches, as well as a future-ready approach to digital literacy.

ISA has truly empowered its learners to navigate modern assessments, bridging the gap between traditional education and a digitally fluent future.