Implementing online language exams within the Spanish National University Entrance Examination: The PAULEX Universitas Project

Abstract

[EN] This paper describes the PAULEX Universitas Project, an online system to design, deliver and assess the foreign language exam that is an integral part of the Spanish national university entrance examination. The foreign language exam is compulsory for all students who wish to enrol in higher education. Students can choose to take one of the following language exams: English, French, German, Italian or Portuguese. Every year, approximately 27,000 students take the university exam simultaneously in the Valencian Community (comprised of 3 provinces: Alicante, Castellón and Valencia) and over 25,000 of these take the English language exam. The paper describes the context in which this university entrance exam takes place, with reference to the current changes in Spanish ministerial policies. Illustrations from the platform are included, as well as a discussion on issues relating to the system's management tools, data security and user interaction. The paper concludes by presenting some of the results obtained from a pilot experience conducted in Valencia with more than 200 students and by addressing a number of difficulties encountered concerning the implementation of the PAULEX online examination platform regionally.