Creating online cognitive assessment platform for children's literacy and math skills: a case study illustrated with the ACE kids platform.
5 affiliations
- 1Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- 2School of Education, University of Saint Joseph, Macau, Macao SAR, China.
- 3Centre for Developmental Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- 4Department of Human Development and Family Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
- 5Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract
Computerized versions of paper-and-pencil tests made behavioral assessments of children more automatic and precise. The COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated the need for assessments to be offered online to allow for remote data collection. However, the design and implementation of computerized tests in an online environment come with various challenges. This article probes the issues, needs and challenges for the development of online assessment of reading and maths, and related cognitive abilities. The paper aims to inform researchers about logistical and technical considerations of developing a customized platform for online child data collection, including (a) technical considerations, (b) interface design, (c) data management, and (d) planning for validation against paper-and-pencil measures. These issues are illustrated with experiences gleaned from the development of an online assessment platform (ACE Kids platform), designed to deliver over 40 tests and questionnaires related to Chinese and English literacy as well as mathematics abilities in K3 - P6 children. The paper also highlights the unique challenges surrounding building online, self-directed biliteracy assessment involving a large assessment battery. Furthermore, we discuss features that improve the ease of use, instructional clarity, and retention of attention. We discussed the use of questionnaires to sample child usage experience during early stages of assessment development to optimize design. Finally, we give consolidated advice for the planning, development and data collection stages for such a customized assessment platform.
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BibTeX
@article{ngan2026creating,
title = {{Creating online cognitive assessment platform for children's literacy and math skills: a case study illustrated with the ACE kids platform.}},
author = {V S H Ngan and J Mo and O K P Wong and M C Y Ng and J C S Ho and T Inoue and C McBride and U Maurer},
journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fnhum.2026.1882555},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42922911},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Creating online cognitive assessment platform for children's literacy and math skills: a case study illustrated with the ACE kids platform.
AU - V S H Ngan
AU - J Mo
AU - O K P Wong
AU - M C Y Ng
AU - J C S Ho
AU - T Inoue
AU - C McBride
AU - U Maurer
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/08
JO - Frontiers in human neuroscience
DO - 10.3389/fnhum.2026.1882555
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42922911
AB - Computerized versions of paper-and-pencil tests made behavioral assessments of children more automatic and precise. The COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated the need for assessments to be offered online to allow for remote data collection. However, the design and implementation of computerized tests in an online environment come with various challenges. This article probes the issues, needs and challenges for the development of online assessment of reading and maths, and related cognitive abilities. The paper aims to inform researchers about logistical and technical considerations of developing a customized platform for online child data collection, including (a) technical considerations, (b) interface design, (c) data management, and (d) planning for validation against paper-and-pencil measures. These issues are illustrated with experiences gleaned from the development of an online assessment platform (ACE Kids platform), designed to deliver over 40 tests and questionnaires related to Chinese and English literacy as well as mathematics abilities in K3 - P6 children. The paper also highlights the unique challenges surrounding building online, self-directed biliteracy assessment involving a large assessment battery. Furthermore, we discuss features that improve the ease of use, instructional clarity, and retention of attention. We discussed the use of questionnaires to sample child usage experience during early stages of assessment development to optimize design. Finally, we give consolidated advice for the planning, development and data collection stages for such a customized assessment platform.
SN - 1662-5161
ER -