Sometimes we should type test answers

Today I came to the realization that sometimes tests should be on the computer. Take, for example, my theology test. I’m not finished with it. We have another 40 minutes on Wednesday to finish up the test. However, I wrote, without taking a break, for one hour and 15 minutes today, and finished a question and a half (out of two.) I think this just seems a little on the ridiculous side. I literally had to refill my pen to keep writing, and I almost finished filling up a “blue book,” which has about 12 sheets of paper in it. Needless to say, my hand was really hurting by the end, but acorrding to my teacher, I’m in a good position to finish the test on Wednesday. Joy!

Here’s the real question. Does it seem like some tests really should be taken on a computer. I remember reading an article a few months back about how this current generation is really at a disadvantage on tests. We are so used to typing everything from instant messages to papers, that when it comes down to and actual test that requires answers to be written by hand, we have lots of problems. At Marquette, they stress depth rather than breadth in the answers, and so students are used to going deep and giving long answers that really delve into the essence of the question. However, today, people complained about not having enough time to answer the questions. I presume that they were going for the depth idea on the test. My teacher told them that they should maybe consider making their answer a little more concise.

Hmm… Not that being concise is bad, but it just seems as though today we went against everything the English department at Marquette stands for. On this test, we want breadth, not depth, surface ideas, and not deep, profound and insightful ideas. I’m not sure that I agree with the format of the test, but just thought that I would throw out if anyone has any comments about it, or experiences of other tests that they have had.