Web-Based Assessment: Techniques and Issues

Abstract

Meaningful learning is a positive outcome of successful teaching. Teaching can be fruitless when no learning occurs. Assessment is the intermediate check between good teaching and learning. Assessment includes both the qualitative and quantitative checks for successful learning and appropriate assimilation and integration of knowledge and experiences. This chapter reviews current trends in assessment with particular reference to Web-based techniques. Measurement models related to assessment are discussed. Current researches on Web-based computer adaptive testing utilizing common-gateway interfaces are highlighted. It also discusses technical details of how Web-based assessment are set up and implemented. Details of communication technologies currently using Web-based techniques are highlighted. This chapter concludes with a review of current research and methods in current practice on Web-based assessment techniques. Plausible uses of newer software and the requirements for parallel hardware developments are raised. The final section also argues that if teaching methods and pedagogies are changing and being modified due to developments in information and communication technologies, it would be necessary to relook at assessment. Web-based assessment presents the optimal mode for testing authentic learning and has the potential to be developed as the most common way of testing, replacing paper-and-pencil tests in the future.