The pedagogy underlying online learning and teaching is being reconceptualised to incorporate the opportunities being offered by the development of online educational settings. The pedagogy of constructivism and in particular socio-constructivism is underpinning much of the online learning and teaching developments currently being developed. The…

In two experiments, naive participants took turns telling each other to click on a target picture while gaze was monitored. Critical trials included a "contrast" picture that differed from the target only in size. In both experiments, the timing of speakers' fixations on the contrast predicted whether the contrast was encoded in a phrase with a…

This paper deals with optimal partitioning of limited testing time in order to achieve maximum total test score. Nonlinear optimization theory was used to analyze this problem. A general case using a generic item response model is first presented. A special case that applies a response time model proposed by Wang and Hanson (2005) is also…

In addition to the potential that computer-based testing (CBT) offers, empirical evidence has found that identical computerized and paper-and-pencil tests have not produced equivalent test-taker performance. Referred to as the "mode effect," previous literature has identified many factors that may be responsible for such differential performance.…

This study examined the equivalency of computer and conventional versions of the Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), a test of adult literacy skills in Reading Text, Document Use and Numeracy. Seventy-three college students completed the computer version, and their scores were compared with those who had taken the test in the conventional…

This study investigated the validity of a statewide alternate assessment program, IASEP (Indiana Assessment System of Educational Proficiencies) by examining supporting profile patterns on the 100 core IASEP items of individuals with significant disabilities. Participants were 5,192 students ranging in age from 7-21 years with special education…

This paper compares the use of multiple pools versus a single pool with respect to test security against large-scale item sharing among some examinees in a computer-based test, under the assumption that a randomized item selection method is used. It characterizes the conditions under which employing multiple pools is better than using a single…

This report describes a process developed by the Center for Assessment of Administrative Performance (CAAP) in Washington State which uses microcomputers to generate feedback reports for participants in an assessment process which provides participants with feedback on skills and abilities related to the successful performance of school building…

This is a user's guide to the Student-Problem Package (SPP), a software package for the IBM-PC that provides three sub-programs for analyzing item response patterns. These analyses are based on student-problem (S-P) curve theory. The SPP User's Guide provides: (1) a brief introduction to response pattern analysis; (2) an overview of the…

This directory represents the start of a research program directed towards the creation of a human abilities matrix which cross-references data on real world jobs, laboratory performance tasks, and human performance models. The matrix will use the "abilities requirements approach" as the unifying element among these three dimensions. The…

Computer programs have been developed to make Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) diagnoses. Programs contain features that help to structure and shorten user interaction with the program, including screening questions and incorporation of DSM-III's decision trees for differential diagnosis. Discusses…

Low-functioning autistic children with age-matched normals, age-matched mentally disabled, and mentally age-matched normal toddlers were tested using a computerized electroencephalographic technique. Autistic Ss showed significantly more slow wave activity and less alpha, as well as less inter- and intrahemispheric asymmetry, than either normal or…

Discusses various aspects of computerized testing: advantages of immediate feedback, on-the-spot score reporting, retention of scores on disks, the computer's potential as a simulation device, expert tests, embedded tests, intelligent tests, and adaptive testing. (CT)

Psychological assessment, a subspecialty of psychology has served as one of the earliest proving grounds of automated technology. This Special Series highlights some of the advances in computerized psychological assessment methods and discusses some of the lingering issues and contemporary problems with automated psychological assessment…

A computer program in BASIC developed to assist in grading college English compositions is discussed and presented. The program allows rapid recording and printing of instructor comments, providing more praise and feedback than otherwise feasible. Teachers are encouraged to adapt the program to their own needs and preferences. (MSE)