Computer-adaptive testing (CAT) allows improved security, greater scoring accuracy, shorter testing periods, quicker availability of results, and reduced guessing and other undesirable test behavior. Simple approaches can be applied by the classroom teacher, or other content specialist, who possesses simple computer equipment and elementary…

Nine methods for automated test construction are described. All are based on the concepts of information from item response theory. Two general kinds of methods for the construction of parallel tests are presented: (1) sequential test design; and (2) simultaneous test design. Sequential design implies that the tests are constructed one after the…

This procedure for testing the mastery of programming skills uses online testing and correction. The student is presented with a test problem and is asked to solve it, encode the solution, debug the code, and save it on a floppy disk. The instructor corrects the program at the appropriate points through the use of REM statements. The erroneous or…

This discussion of the use of microcomputer software in a medical school class for the purposes of emulating oral examinations begins by stating the three major goals of testing in medical school. The limitations of multiple choice tests and oral examinations are then discussed, and the use and suitability of computers to administer and to avoid…

This paper presents examples of effective uses of microcomputers to support basic statistics instruction. All programs are written in Applesoft BASIC for Apple II Plus microcomputers and compatible equipment. They have been field tested in statistics courses at the University of Maryland. Microcomputers can be used with color monitors for…

The development of a computer-based, university-wide testing system at Brigham Young University is discussed, as is its application to two large-enrollment math classes. The hardware configuration, software applications, general philosophy, budget, and personnel requirements of the system are also explained. Development of the system over time is…

Computer managed instruction (CMI) is proposed as a solution to the managerial problems created when introductory level courses with large numbers of students are taught using a self-paced, mastery-learning approach, e.g., Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). This paper discusses the educational premises of CMI, the advantages of CMI…

In an invitational address to the Victorian Institute of Educational Research, the author discussed Bayesian theory and its relationship to the design and construction of tailored or adaptive tests. Bayesian thinking involves recognizing the role of prior probabilities and using these probabilities in combination with new data to arrive at future…

Computer assisted tailored testing was used in a study of 163 Civil Service examinees to assess examinee's affective response to the testing setting. Response was summarized as overwhelmingly positive. (Author/JKS)

This paper describes an interactive computer software system developed at Tuskegee Institute which is designed to allow flexibility in the development, administration, and scoring of examinations. (Author)

Compares test-generating programs which accompany six different college-level history textbooks. Points out the basic features and usefulness of each. The test-generating programs reviewed are the Norton Testing System, Brownstone Research Group, two versions of Microtest, Floppy Disk Test Item Files, and Computest Microcomputer Testing System.…

Explains how spreadsheet software can be used in the design and grading of academic tests and in assigning grades. Macro programs and menu-driven software are highlighted and an example using IBM PCs and Lotus 1-2-3 software is given. (Author/LRW)

The University of California (Irvine) has automated its scoring of placement tests to incoming freshmen and women with specialized administrative software that interfaces a microcomputer with an optical card reader. The university's placement testing program, the computerized system, and advantages of the system are explained. (JN)

The availability of computers suggests reevaluation of (1) the need for teaching mathematical modeling and numerical analysis of structures in engineering education when most of these applications can be performed easily by computer and (2) computer use for formative evaluation of student learning. (MSE)

This special issue contains seven articles, addressing rehabilitation in the information age, computer-assisted rehabilitation services, computer technology in rehabilitation counseling, computer-assisted career exploration and vocational decision making, computer-assisted assessment, computer enhanced employment opportunities for persons with…