Patrick Plichart
Patrick Plichart is a Co-founder and Solutions Architect at Open Assessment Technologies, where he has played a guiding role in the creation and evolution of the TAO platform since its inception in 2002. Deeply involved in the field of Computer-Based Assessment (CBA), Patrick has conducted research and led solutions management for national projects, pioneering many country-wide TAO deployments. He has also managed the software engineering aspects of major international large-scale surveys, including PIAAC and PISA, serving in key roles such as Technology Architect, Project Manager, and Expert Group member. Patrick led the development and coordination of OAT’s engineering team for the first large-scale computer-based assessment in Europe, delivering more than 10 million tests across a range of subjects for multiple Ministries of Education.
Today, Patrick leads OAT’s open source initiatives, where he drives Agile development, oversees technology delivery, and shapes the communities growth strategy. He continues to support national assessment projects in Italy and France, reaching over one million students annually. In recent years, he has also spearheaded innovations in TAO, including advanced reporting tools, offline assessment delivery, and the development of a mobile assessment app.
Session
TAO is an open-source assessment platform designed to support a wide range of educational contexts. Its foundation on open standards makes it adaptable and interoperable, allowing institutions and governments to implement digital testing solutions that align with their local needs without dependence on proprietary technologies.
The open-source model is central to TAO’s mission. By removing licensing barriers, TAO ensures equitable access to assessment tools, regardless of institutional or regional resources. Its modular design encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across diverse educational ecosystems. TAO goes beyond open-source software; it fosters the exchange of experiences, use cases, and new ideas within the TAO open community. New insights emerging from this community through concrete and trial practices are expected to transform assessment practices, further amplifying TAO’s global impact.
Real-world deployments of TAO illustrate its ability to thrive in both well-resourced and low-resource contexts. Use cases from various regions will be presented to demonstrate how the platform has delivered secure, standardized assessments with low total cost of ownership, enabling stakeholders to redirect resources toward teaching, learning, and infrastructure. Even in challenging environments, TAO has proven to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for learners and educators alike.
By embodying the principles of openness, transparency, and collaboration, TAO shows how open-source educational technology can drive systemic change. It is more than just a platform: it is a movement towards inclusive, sustainable, and trusted assessment worldwide.