Reflection on “Technology in Testing”

Alderson, J. C. (2000). Technology in testing: the present and the future. System, 28(4), 593-603.

CBT-TOEFL (computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language):

Frankly speaking, I’m not familiar with this test. Something interesting and useful about this test could be found from the reading, such as computer-adaptive testing and pedagogic advantages of CBTs. In CBTs, the computer could roughly estimate a candidate’ ability and then select appropriate test items to match that emerging ability level. In other words, candidates are presented with items as close as possible to their ability level. Moreover, generally different candidates use different tests, so the test security can be largely enhanced. However, as more and more people take this test, it is more likely that the test reliability is questionable. So for ETS, the continuous update of item base is of great importance. Besides, one of user-friendly features of CBTs attracts my attention, which is the test allows users to see an estimated test result immediately after taking the test, and to decide whether they wish their score to be reported to potential receiving institutions, or whether they would prefer the score not to be reported until they have improved it. Once a candidate knows his result, he could immediately plan his next step without wasting time for the release of his result. As for the test items themselves, some found in online discussion forums and learning websites could be used to assist with classroom instruction and students’ practices as well.