Trialing a Tablet PC Based Language Test

Designing tests is a sophisticated task due to issues such as rubrics, validation and impact. Delivery has become another key issue in recent years. Recent research projects in Spain (García Laborda et al.s, 2010, García Laborda, 2012; García Laborda et al., 2014; Bueno Alastuey et al., 2014) have been working mainly with technological devices as a means of test delivery. However, technology has changed in the last three years making desktop PCs and mobile phones less attractive due to space and practicality considerations. The use of tablet PCs for test delivery might be an effective option that combines the advantages of both devices. This paper investigates some potential difficulties that might be encountered if they are to be used for delivery of high stakes tests. In particular, it examines the perceptions of 24 future foreign language teachers based on a questionnaire. The results indicate that tablet PCs could be adequate for high-stakes tests in the 2nd and 4th years of secondary school (ESO) and the 2nd year of Baccalaureate studies in Spain. This paper addresses the rationale, our method of research and the questionnaire, and the results.