Research and analysis

On-screen assessment and mode effects

A review of the effects of on-screen assessment on levels of engagement, cognitive demands and performance.

• From: Ofqual
• Published: 11 December 2025

Documents

On-screen assessment and mode effects

Ref: Ofqual/25/7280

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On-screen assessment and mode effects

Ref: Ofqual/25/7280

PDF, 856 KB, 58 pages

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Details

Ofqual has conducted a wide-ranging research project into the risks, challenges, and benefits of using technology in assessment. Part of this research was concerned with the impact any move towards on-screen assessment (OSA) may have on students. Alongside primary research into the perceptions that students, teachers, and parents and guardians have of OSA, we undertook desk-based research to identify the evidence of the potential benefits and drawbacks of on-screen assessment. This review is one of the products of this desk-based research, and focuses on the effects of OSA on students’ engagement with, cognitive demands during, and performance in assessment.

Authors

• Harvey Dodds
• Yasmine El Masri
• Tim Stratton

With thanks to

• Zeek Sweiry
• Tom Bramley

How to cite this report:

Dodds, H. J., El Masri, Y., Stratton, T. (2025). On-screen Assessment and Mode Effects: A review of the effects of on-screen assessment on levels of engagement, cognitive demands and performance. (Ofqual research report 25/7280). Ofqual.
Retrieved from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/on-screen-assessment-and-mode-effects

Published 11 December 2025