In this paper, Anderson (2000) explores the main advantages and some possible drawback of computer-based test on language skills. It is limited to test language skills on a computer, like speaking and writing skills which can hardly be assessed. But also, we can see some obvious advantages in computer-based testing. First of all, its flexibility allows tests be freed from traditional paper forms and the formal test administration. Secondly, users do not need to be restricted in a large room with others but on their own, while testers will find it convenient to collect and mark the test data, and the results can also be issued directly. Nowadays, with the access to internet, computer-assisted test is becoming more applicable and flexible. Besides, thanks to the larger capacity of internet database, the testing items and results can be stored for future use, especially for the development of testing, with less worry about the test security. Instead of fixed-format tests, computer-adaptive test shows its advantage in providing test users an adapted difficulty level according to their ability level, which makes the tests efficiently reflect users’ real place with possible pedagogical implications on teaching and learning.
Since this kind of test becomes pretty common in current testing including TOEFL, we’ve already seen the claimed advantages and disadvantages and we still have some doubts about the reliability and validity of computer-assisted testing, like whether the users’ ability can be estimated through computer and how, what feedback or diagnosis can be given to users through computer according to their performance in the test, and how to judge the test method and delivery medium, etc..
Since this kind of test becomes pretty common in current testing including TOEFL, we’ve already seen the claimed advantages and disadvantages and we still have some doubts about the reliability and validity of computer-assisted testing, like whether the users’ ability can be estimated through computer and how, what feedback or diagnosis can be given to users through computer according to their performance in the test, and how to judge the test method and delivery medium, etc..
Yes, computer-assisted testing is very common nowadays but it has great difficulties to be carried out in schools. Because all students should sit for a test together at the same time in the same computer room, they should not be allowed to do it at home because of the fairness, numbers of computers is a problem. And what test types should be placed in the test? Only MC? how about the gap-filling or comprehension questions? Can the software correctly assess the acceptable answers? Besides, does it relate to the students' typing skills and the computer knowledge?
ReplyDeleteI think computer-assisted testing is more applicale on the individual testing. For example, when we sit for the examination of driving, we have to take a writing test before the driving test. We are required to go to the authority to take the computer-assisted test for the writing part. All questions are MC questions and we ll know the results few minutes later. That s the advantage of the computer-assisted testing.
hi,sunny, we don't need to type into computer all the data from test paper if the technology is widely applicated.However, I think the reliability of computer-assited test will not be very desirable as it bias against those who do not know much about computer.
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