Digital testing

Testing and assessment can be done in an e-Learning environment as well. It will offer some significant improvements. To develop and deliver digital tests and assignments there are many specialized tools within the market.

In Wikipedia we can find the following definition for Computer-based testing:

E-assessment tools

Thes applications help you to create and deliver tests, quizzes and surveys on intranets, the Internet or using PCs.

Also all kind of analysis and reporting options are included. Most of the applications generate IMS and SCORM compliant output (learning standards, see the section on standards) so the tests and assessments can be easily integrated with your L(C)MS. You can use these test in all kind of ways: as pretest, as self tests, exams etc. All kind of different question types can be used.

Important role for testing

Testing environments can play an important role within education and training. It can be used in many ways:

• assess and evaluate students and employees continually;
• conduct surveys;
• certify personnel;
• gain insight into all results.

Advantages

JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) points out the advantages of e-assessment:

"E-assessment potentially offers advantages over traditional modes of assessment, including, for example, greater speed of marking, immediate feedback to both learner and assessor, and a more entertaining assessment experience."

An other specialist organization (infoNet) says:

"Some of the advantages of e-assessment that you might want to consider are:

• immediate feedback to students;
• allows rehearsal and revision;
• immediate feedback to staff;
• allows evaluation of a course's strengths and weaknesses;
• can be linked to other computer-based or online materials.

Disadvantages

• Problems in the use of computers for multiple choice questions could derive from the design of the questions and the skills of the designer (Mackenzie, 2003), rather than from the software or the use of the computer per se, or it could be that some tutors may be reluctant to relinquish traditional modes of assessment (Mackenzie, 2003).
  
  
• The learners (and test-creators and assessors) can have a lack of computer skills. This can interfere with the results. This disadvantage can be covered by give the learners some testing experience before the actual test/assessment and to provide all the 'facilitating' professionals with training and coaching.
  
  
• It can have serious implications for employees and employees. E-assessment has to be integrated in the HR-vision and policy. Communication with external institutions and organizations like unions.