Bushweller, Kevin. (June 2000). Electronic Exams. Retrieved September 27,2003, from

http://www.electronic-school.com/2000/06/0600fl.html

Electronic Exams

Students are more likely to select to take a test on the computer over paper and pencil. This trend is driven by our tech savvy students and repeated exposure to the format. Advances in technology, and high stakes assessment testing in public school systems drive this trend of computer examination. Students with low performance that do not pass can take repeated practice tests to focus in on the areas where they are performing poorly. Computer examinations also give teachers and systems immediate feedback on student performance and appropriate instructional remediation or adjustment can occur that can improve student performance and teacher instruction. Still one of the serious draw back to electronic testing is the barrier of technology. For disadvantaged students with limited or no access to computers their performance may be lowered because of their limited technology access. In a study that shows just the reverse, students with a high level of computer skills perform lower on pencil and paper tests.

The article raises valid issues in the use of electronic testing. As with all advances the bandwagon is full in the beginning, but moderate and appropriate use eventually wins out. In this day and age of high stakes testing the move to electronic assessment is in self-defense. Students have multiple opportunities and can practice to reduce the impact lack of access to technology can have. Developmentally appropriateness of assessments also needs to be evaluated and studies on the effectiveness of electronic testing in elementary schools should receive special focus. I think that electronic testing is appropriate for high school students, and I have seen the success results for students on the basic math assessments and the citizenship tests in Montgomery County. We have at least 15-20 students a year that take advantage of the remediation offered for these tests, and all of them perform better on the computerized versions than the paper and pencil. In an age of high stakes testing I see electronic testing as an eventual outcome, it is unfortunate that very few job interviews require applicants to take a standardized test and evaluate their employability based on the numbers.