This information capsule explores the effectiveness of score ranges on the Computerized Placement Test (CPT), used to assess the skills of entry-level students at Miami-Dade Community College and place first-time-in-college students in classes. Data are provided for students entering in Fall terms 1996 and 1997 showing the number of students…

This report provides a brief introduction to microcomputer technology and discusses five uses of microcomputers in classroom testing: item storage, test assembly, test administration, test scoring, and test score reporting and analysis. It focuses on the testing applications of microcomputer technology. (PN)

Describes a computer-assisted instruction program designed to help teachers develop and maintain continuously updated diagnostic records of student achievement. Gives hardware requirements and describes the program's eight components. These include deleting/changing records and lists, a testing manager, list producer, and student record reviewer.…

Several measures of the speed of information processing were related to ability factors derived from the Cattell-Horn theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence. Correlations among the ability measures, among the information processing measures, and between the two domains were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. (Author/PN)

The most common functions of computer-assisted testing are item-banking, in which test items are collected and stored; test-construction, specifying item attributes and determining information required for identification of the test; and test scoring. (JN)

Describes the development of an English-as-a-Second-Language computer-adaptive test of reading comprehension. The article discusses the constraints that apply to Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) and the advantages of CAT over conventional testing modalities. (29 references) (Author/CK)

Reviews current and developing technology uses that are relevant to language assessment and discusses examples of recent linguistic applications from the laboratory at the Educational Testing Service. The processes of language test development are described and the functions they serve from the perspective of a large testing organization are…

Describes the construction and small-scale implementation of a computer program that can be used on a self-access basis to assess English-as-a-Second-Language listening proficiency. The test involves an extended dictation in dialog form. Results indicate a good correlation with traditional pen-and-paper tests and suggests that the concept has…

Discusses the development of the Adaptive Testing Linguistic Achievement Significance (ATLAS) test used to evaluate second language proficiency of Belgian civil servants. Notes that testers encountered various problems caused by the complexity of language, the difference in background of the candidates and the absence of official objective test…

Describes "Diagnosys," a knowledge-based computer diagnostic test of basic mathematical skills developed in the United Kingdom for university students. Highlights include the need for diagnostic testing; the advantages of a computer-based test; question design; and possible future developments. (Author/LRW)

Examined data from several national testing programs to determine whether the change from paper-based administration to computer-based tests influences group differences in performance. Results from four college and graduate entrance examinations and a professional licensing test show that African Americans and, to a lesser degree, Hispanics,…

Presents findings from a small-scale experiment investigating the presentation of a synchronous, Web-based remote electronic exam in a distance education course. Discusses student experiences based on a questionnaire; time pressures; technical issues; differences between the structure of an electronic exam and a paper-based exam; and future work,…

Describes a study that seeks to confirm several key factors in computer-based versus paper-based assessment. Based on earlier research, the factors considered in this study of undergraduates include content familiarity; computer familiarity; competitiveness; and gender. Reports results of analysis of variance that showed the computer-based test…

Three different applications of the testlet concept are presented, and the psychometric models most suitable for each application are described. Difficulties that testlets can help overcome include (1) context effects; (2) item ordering; and (3) content balancing. Implications for test construction are discussed. (SLD)

The four main subsystems of the MicroCAT Testing System for developing, administering, scoring, and analyzing computerized tests using conventional or item response theory methods are described. Judgments of three users of the system are included in the evaluation of this software. (SLD)