Digitising mathematics exams: The pain, the practice, and the path forward

The digital transformation of higher education has brought undeniable benefits: streamlined workflows, enhanced security, and improved accessibility. Yet, when it comes to mathematics exams, the shift from paper to digital has exposed a persistent pain point for institutions worldwide. 

Mathematics is a discipline deeply rooted in handwritten practice. For decades, students have solved complex problems with pen and paper. A method that feels natural, efficient, and intuitive. Asking them to replicate this process entirely on a keyboard during a closed-book exam often introduces unnecessary friction. It’s not just about familiarity; it’s about cognitive flow. Typing equations can slow down problem-solving, increase stress, and ultimately compromise performance. 

The challenge is the administrative burden and workflow complexity 

Institutions striving to offer digital closed-book exams face a dual challenge:

• Maintaining exam integrity while accommodating handwritten formulas. 

• Managing the administrative and workflow burden of hybrid submissions. 

Allowing students to submit handwritten calculations alongside digital answers often means juggling multiple systems, manual uploads, and verification steps. This complexity strains exam teams and increases the risk of errors. 

Moreover, the restriction on students during digital exams is forcing them to type mathematical equations instead of writing them by hand which creates an unnatural experience. To bridge this gap, some institutions invest in tablets or Wacom devices for digital handwriting. While well-intentioned, this approach is costly, difficult to maintain, and introduces unfamiliar technology that students rarely use in their daily practice. 

MathScan is bridging the gap without the burden 

Having MathScan in WISEflow offers a pragmatic solution. MathScan allows students to work out their answers on paper just as they always have, and then seamlessly scan and submit their handwritten calculations within the secure digital exam environment. 

The benefits for using MathScan are clear: 

• Preserves familiar practice: Students can focus on solving problems rather than wrestling with input tools or unfamiliar devices. 

• Eliminates costly hardware: No need for tablets or styluses. MathScan leverages what students already know: pen and paper. 

• Maintains digital integrity: Scanned work is securely stored and linked to the candidate’s submission. 

• Supports closed-book conditions: No external devices or unauthorised aids are introduced. 

MathScan doesn’t just solve a technical problem; it respects the pedagogical reality of mathematics education while reducing institutional overhead. 

Beyond MathScan: Alternative approaches 

While MathScan is a powerful tool, it’s not the only option. Institutions can also consider:

• Full mathematical question sets in FLOWmulti: Ideal for structured assessments with auto-marking capabilities and rich question types. 

• Paper submission workflows: For exams that require extensive handwritten work, WISEflow’s paper submission module enables hybrid models. Digital administration combined with physical scripts as appendices or primary submissions. 

These alternatives ensure flexibility, allowing institutions to tailor solutions to their context and assessment philosophy. 

Our recommendation 
Let’s be honest: digitising mathematics exams is not without its challenges. The industry’s push for full digitalisation sometimes overlooks the nuances of disciplines like mathematics. Pretending that typing formulas equals progress is misguided. 

Instead, we should embrace adaptive digitalisation. Solutions that combine the best of both worlds. MathScan exemplifies this approach: it acknowledges the enduring value of handwriting while leveraging digital security and efficiency. 

Our recommendation is to start by mapping your exam formats and student needs. Where handwritten problem-solving is essential, deploy MathScan or paper submission workflows. Where structured digital questions suffice, FLOWmulti is your friend. 

Digital doesn’t have to mean rigid. It should mean smart. 

Ready to rethink your exam strategy? 
If your institution is struggling with the balance between digital efficiency and authentic mathematical assessment, we can help. 

• Explore MathScan in WISEflow and see how it simplifies workflows while preserving academic integrity. 

• Talk to our experts about hybrid models and alternative solutions like FLOWmulti and paper submission.