This article discusses forces affecting the advance of technology-based assessment in special education, noting the improved quality achieved through merger of assessment methods and electronic technology including networking, expert systems, authoring software, and multimedia. It notes, however, that the potential of technology-based assessment…

Comparison of special education teacher (n=18) and computer-scored curriculum-based measurements (CBM) of spelling found that computer scoring accuracy was significantly higher and more stable. Additionally, high correlations were found between the CBM spelling scores and a standardized test of spelling achievement. (DB)

Automated evaluation methods, used in medical school training programs, are discussed. The use of situational questions which help students to make connections between the biochemical knowledge acquired and its application in medical practice is proposed. Examples of these types of questions are included. (KR)

Discussion of computer-based testing (CBT) focuses on the development of the database format question (DFQ) which allows the user to build up a more complex answer than multiple choice by selecting items from a database presented on the computer screen. Programing is explained and an evaluation of DFQ is included. (Seven references) (LRW)

This article describes a prototype videodisc method of assessing social competence, knowledge, and perception in children with disabilities. It notes major hardware features (Macintosh IIx computer), software features (using SuperCard), improved examinee response modes, and improved data entry techniques. (DB)

Describes what a computer-adaptive test (CAT) is, examines its roots, and points out some of the challenges this approach to assessment presents. (Author/VWL)

Describes the conversion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language to computer-based testing (CBT), explaining the impetus for change and answering questions about benefits of CBT, introduction of CBT into the U.S. and internationally, test scoring and reporting, effects of computer literacy on test scores, preparing test-takers for CBT, and…

Adult native speakers (L1) of Russian and advanced nonnative second-language (L2) speakers read Russian sentences on a computer and were asked to choose one of two inflected past-tense verbs in a forced-choice task. Verbs either matched or mismatched gender of the subject-noun phrase. Data suggested that L1 and L2 speakers may depend on common…

Developed an extension of the Rasch model from a Bayesian point of view and used the model to study whether learning occurred throughout a computer-administered intelligence test. Results from 137 college students indicate that learning did occur and that there might be individual differences in learning rate. (SLD)

This review of research on testing of second-language reading addresses: general areas of interest in reading research, assessment; adaptation of a suitable first-language reading comprehension model for second-language assessment; reliance on a top-down model of reading comprehension; validity of multiple-choice reading comprehension tests;…

Developed five knowledge tests and one implicit reasoning test designed to be short, correlated with cognitive aptitude, unobtrusive, and capable of administration in computer, e-mail, or paper-and-pencil forms. Administered these tests to 288 Air Force recruits and validated them against the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Results…

Describes research conducted in the United Kingdom that asked Open University distance education students what type of assignment feedback they would like to receive. Interviews with 22 students are discussed that ascertained their views regarding feedback on tutor-marked assignments and computer-marked assignments. (Author/LRW)

Describes a computer-assisted cognitive training program used to treat a 13-year-old Caucasian male with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Pre-/posttest differences on the Conners Parent Rating Scale revealed a decrease on all subscales. Scores on the Conners Teacher Rating Scale were less conclusive. A follow-up revealed that most gains…

Four human judges agreed highly among themselves about the presence of errors committed by 60 adults solving algebra word problems, but were in less agreement about categorizing faults. An expert system agreed with judges about correctness of answers, but was in even less agreement about categorizing the faults. (SLD)

Details the advantages and process of creating an online English-as-a-Second-Language placement test. Outlines the steps for constructing a good test and describes the piloting of an online exam over a 2-year period. (Author/VWL)