Tips and tricks for NAPLAN Online

Did you know that students in Years 5, 7 and 9 are now required to sit the NAPLAN writing test online?

One of the outcomes of remote learning during COVID lockdowns was that technology use became more prevalent, with many students now very comfortable using laptops and tablets. However, it’s still important to explicitly teach the skills that will make writing creatively online smooth sailing for all students.

Get ready for NAPLAN Online

Assessing writing online is particularly controversial, as discussed in this article: Will NAPLAN’s online move hurt creative writing?

To address the concerns around NAPLAN Online, it’s vital to provide students with plenty of opportunities to write creatively on desktop computers, laptops and tablets.

Top tips to prepare for NAPLAN Online

1. Familiarise students with the layout of the QWERTY keyboard. Run short, sharp activities using the keyboard to speed up letter finding. Consider using keyboards (real or laminated) in spelling lessons. Ensure students know how to access the keyboard on a tablet.
2. Teach students how to access a range of punctuation marks on PCs and tablets.

5. Ensure students continue to plan their writing on paper. This is a crucial step in the planning process to ensure that students write complete, well-structured texts.
6. Encourage students to visualise the writing graph when they’re planning their writing. Find these on Teacher Hub: Narrative Story Graph and Persuasive Writing Graph. Not a member? Unlock your free Teacher Hub trial today!
7. Encourage students to draft narrative and persuasive texts electronically rather than just typing up the final draft. Completing the entire writing process digitally allows students to get used to editing online.
8. Set online writing activities using the Verso app. Have students post their responses and comment on each other’s work.

A huge thank you to Jane Weir from Bertram Primary School for sharing these fantastic tips based on their preparations for NAPLAN Online.

Seven Steps founder Jen McVeity has sat the NAPLAN writing task 10 times. Be sure to check out her expert insights in this series of bite-size videos on Teacher Hub.

Not a Teacher Hub member? Access Jen’s insights plus lots more fun activities to get your students NAPLAN-ready with a 14-day free trial. No payment details required!