Blog #4 About my other blog that highlights technology... IELTS - The International English Language Testing System

The International English Language Testing System, known commonly as IELTS, is the largest language proficiency exam in the world. The proficiency scores are namely used for three reasons, immigration, academic acceptance, and work-related criteria such a s pay-scale and professional requirements. To give you some more background to the gravity of this test, I'd like to just outline a few big numbers:
  • In 2017, 3 000 000+ tests were delivered in over 140 countries
  • Over 3000 academic institutions worldwide use IELTS
  • There are more than 1200 test centres worldwide
Now that you know what IELTS is, I'll tell you what I do. I am an expert and have had multiple roles with the organization. All my positions have to do with the grading and preparation for the exam. With my experience, management offered me a job blogging with IELTS. It turns out that I really like it. And from the feedback MGMT has given me and the rest of the team, it is a very successful part of the website. 

Now, how does technology fit into all of this? Because IELTS is such a well-known, secure, high-stakes exam, it has adopted the latest technology in many areas. Luckily for me, I had the opportunity to explore some of the new technologies in my blogs. I'll highlight a few which I am really excited about:

Computer Delivered IELTS
https://ieltscanadatest.com/2018/09/computer-delivered-ielts-has-arrived/
This is project is just rolling out worldwide. It's taking the pencil and paper exam onto a computer. As I mentioned above, how IELTS will manage to uphold the integrity and reliability of the test by shifting it to computer will be interesting. It may seem simple, but such things as security, accessibility, and technophobia are just a few of the cans of worms that have opened. Knowing IELTS though, they will have uncovered every stone before the tests go ahead.


The 30-Minute IELTS Workout                                                    https://ieltsamericas.com/the-30-minute-ielts-workout/

In this blog, I offered advice to test-takers for preparation by listing key blogs to read, how to learn languages with subtitles using online videos, and where to access online practice tests. Because most test-takers will be studying independently, using online resources is a no-brainer.

The Masterclass
https://ieltscanadatest.com/prepare-for-ielts/free-ielts-seminars/
In almost all my blogs I try and plug one of my other roles, the Masterclass. This is a free online prep class for test-takers who've signed up for the test. With help from the central office, IELTS has used the latest and greatest in Powerpoint design to support the delivery of the test. I feel lucky to have a chance to always be updated with the cutting-edge tech-tools used for this PPT and also the online screen share. I often think about this class when coming up with ideas and examples for my Educational Technology Masters at CBU and MUN.

IELTS Assist
Unfortunately this blog was only posted for a short time and taken down due to updates to the project, I assume. I really enjoyed learning about this new service offered by IELTS though. It basically offers those looking for test preparation a suite of materials and real person assistance. This means your writing will be marked and commented on, your speaking done F2F, your reading analyzed with feedback, and if you have any language questions connected to the test, experts can help you. All of this is done worldwide and online. Check out the video!





 






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