WebCAT*—A Web-Centric, Multi-Server, Computer-Assisted Testing System

This paper describes the WebCAT * system. The WebCAT* is a Web-centric, multi-server system that combines the WWW, database and Internet: all test items are stored in databases located at each CAT server; users can access these materials via the Internet through a Web browser. The testbases of these CAT servers can be shared among each other in a way unseen to end users. Each test item in the WebCAT * is associated with degree of difficulty, domain, and the testbase it belongs to. Upon test generation, a test specification with test domain and max/min degree of difficulty is given to generate the test. Each test consists of items taken automatically, at random, from all the available testbases according to the specifications. This system has three major characteristics: multi-testbase sharing, real-time test generation, and item cross-analysis. A case study of an English exam with text and audio test items is given at the end of this work as an example. The overall feasibility of network-based testing is discussed as well.-2-INTRODUCTION Along with advances in computer network technology, the Internet is getting more and more popular nowadays. Numerous topics can be found through the Internet: business information, advertisements, news and so on. Among all of them, distance learning-education in a virtual classroom — is one of the most practical and potential applications on Lollar, 1995). Along with this growth of distance learning is a new need for distance testing, hence this study. Several distance learning environments are currently available on the Internet. Some of them are listed in Table 1 with short descriptions. One major characteristic of these systems is the interactivity among the participants so they can discuss with each other and their teachers. _______________ Insert Table 1 here _______________ Assessment is an essential aspect of all learning experiences. Tests play an important role in helping instructors evaluate student performance, and students play a role too. Some Computer-assisted Testing (CAT) systems, as shown in Table 2, have been developed to help students assess their learning. However these systems are stand-alone and specific to one particular subject domain. Students cannot access the test materials through the networks, thus these systems are not particularly convenient. Therefore, a more general CAT system which can be utilized via the network is desired. _______________ Insert Table 2 here _______________ The main idea of the networked CAT system is that all the test items are stored …