What is a Computer-Based Exams System?
This system replaces traditional pen-and-paper methods and provides a more efficient and secure way to administer Computer Based exams.
Key features of a computer-based Exams system:
Online Exams test delivery: Exams are delivered online, allowing candidates to take the test from anywhere with internet access.
Auto-scoring: The system automatically scores tests and makes the results instantly available to candidates and administrators.
Question bank: A bank of questions that can be randomly selected for each test, reducing the risk of cheating.
Time management: Timers can be set for each test section to ensure fair and consistent scoring for all candidates.
Security measures: Integrated features such as browser lock and biometric authentication enhance the security of the testing environment. Advantages of a computer-based testing system:
Efficiency: Faster test processing and faster results save time for both candidates and administrators.
Cost-effectiveness: Eliminating paper-based processes reduces printing and logistics costs for traditional tests.
Availability: Candidates can take tests from anywhere, which is especially convenient for candidates who work remotely or in multiple locations.
Data security: Secure storage and encryption of test data ensures confidentiality and prevents tampering.
Types of Computer-Based Tests
There are two types of computer-based tests: linear and adaptive. It contains a wide range of test questions – from easiest to hardest – but not always in the correct order.
These questions are selected from a large number of possible questions and are categorized by content and difficulty.
In a paper-based test, you answer questions from easy to difficult. In an adaptive computer-based test, each candidate is presented with questions of appropriate difficulty for their level. These tests start with a question that is of average difficulty for most candidates. After each question is answered, the computer uses this and all previous answers to determine the next question. The next question best reflects previous performance. This means that different candidates – even in the same room on the same day – will be given different questions.
Because the questions on adaptive tests are selected based on your performance on previous questions, you spend less time on questions that are too easy or too difficult than on a paper test. If you make a careless mistake and answer incorrectly, or accidentally answer correctly, the questions you get later may not match your knowledge or skill level. You can’t skip forward or backward like you can on a paper test.
If you feel uncomfortable because you’re used to going through all or part of a test before typing your answers, it can be helpful to practice with test preparation programs that simulate the test.
Advantages of Computer-Based Testing(Exams) (CBT):
Computer-based testing offers many advantages. The main advantages of CBT testing include:
#1: Comprehensive test administration
Suppose a company has a vacancy and several candidates are invited for interviews, which includes a written exam. How long does the entire process take. CBT, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive online exam with no waiting time. This not only saves time but also ensures high-quality online assessments and evaluations.
#2: Customizable and personalized tests
Teachers or instructors can adjust the difficulty of the questions to suit each group of students. After reviewing the students’ answers, the question pattern can be further adjusted. With the help of video applications, teachers can also contact individual students for oral exams. If students have questions, they can easily answer them through other apps and share their personal opinions. #3: Grading system
Students wait a long time for their results on some tests. Instructors also need time to carefully review the answers and assign the correct grades. However, the instant grading offered by the CGT system allows for faster assessment of performance, and the teaching method can be adjusted based on the data collected. This also gives teachers insights into students’ weaknesses and areas where they still need to improve.
#4: Well-organized and smooth process
A traditional exam usually involves long and varied tasks, starting with the preparations that begin months before the exams. This includes securing the premises, hiring janitors for exam halls and rooms, as well as preparing the exam papers and ensuring their careful storage and security. Post-marking, such as collecting and correcting answer sheets, is also time-consuming and laborious. However, all of these processes are automated and therefore effectively optimized within the system.
#5: Support for candidates with special needs
Computer-based exams offer useful features for students or candidates with disabilities, such as a Braille keyboard, speech-to-text, text-to-speech applications, screen readers, magnifiers, and other tools.
#6: Test Integrity
There are inherent concerns about the integrity of online exams, but the availability of various security and monitoring features ensures that the exam is administered with complete integrity and without cheating.
#7: Possibility of distance testing
With online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), students do not have to travel long distances to take the exam Center.
Implementing CGT for Small Organizations
To successfully implement CGT for small organizations, consider the following steps:
- It should be able to handle a large number of users and offer features for creating and administering exams.
- Plan ahead: Organize the exam format, number of questions, time limits, and other details. Test the software in advance to ensure it runs smoothly on exam day.
- Train proctors: Ensure proctors are familiar with the software and can troubleshoot technical issues during the exam.
- Provide adequate infrastructure: Ensure the testing facility has the necessary infrastructure, such as backup power, stable internet access, and reliable systems, to avoid disruptions during the exam.
- Ensure exam security: Prevent cheating by disabling external hard drives, restricting access to other websites, and monitoring students’ screens during the exam.
- Conduct practice exams: Familiarize students with the exam format by conducting practice exams.
- Offer technical support: Provide a support system to resolve technical issues during the exam, such as a hotline or chat support.
- Conduct post-exam analysis: Evaluate the effectiveness of the exam process based on feedback from students and proctors and analyze the results to improve future exams.