Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computerized testing, including the differences between adaptive testing and traditional testing.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Advantages:
• Computers make it easy to construct many types of tests, particularly classroom tests.
• Now test users can administer many types of assessments on computers. The assessment might include more typical multiple choice or true/false questions. Or the assessment might include an online simulation, where test takers view a real-life simulation and then respond to questions about how they would respond to a situation.
• Many computer-administered tests are immediately scored or test users send assessment data to the scoring center using e-mail.
• Computerized tests are efficient. Whether administering or scoring tests, computers save test users money.
• Computerized tests can be administered individually in comfortable settings.
• Computerized tests facilitate standardized administration procedures by eliminating human error.
• Computerized tests allow for more technologically advanced testing procedures. For example, computers can simulate real-life situations, present three-dimensional graphics, respond to voice-activated responses, and provide on-screen calculators.
• Computerized tests allow more opportunities for testing people with physical or mental challenges.
• Computerized tests can be administered in a format called computer adaptive testing . With an adaptive format, a test taker’s time is not wasted on questions that are too easy or too hard.
• Computerized tests can incorporate sound.
Disadvantages:
• Some people still experience anxiety about using computer technology.
• When the computer program scores a test, it selects the prearranged interpretation. Although programs can be created to take into account scores from other tests and demographic characteristics, such as sex and age, most programs simply provide the test taker with the prearranged interpretation.
• On many computerized tests, the test takers must complete the question on the computer screen before they can continue. After the test takers move on to the next screen, they often cannot return to the previous one.
CAT
• In computerized adaptive testing, all test takers start with the same small set of questions—usually those of moderate difficulty. As the test progresses, the computer software chooses and presents each test taker with harder or easier questions depending on how well the test taker answered previous questions. According to test developers, these types of tests provide a fuller profile of a person in a shorter amount of time and the test taker does not need to spend time on questions that are too easy or too difficult.