Online Testing - Advantages!

A Research study* on the Comparison of Online and Traditional Testing Methods revealed the following:

• There were no differences between the online and paper and pencil groups in age and grade point average.
• No differences between gender, ethnicity and educational level of the students between the traditional or online test-takers.
• Did not reveal a difference between the assessment scores of the traditional and online testing groups.
• However, a difference was detected in the time it took the groups to complete the test. The online group took a significantly less amount of time to complete the assessment than the group on Paper and pencil group.

* Ref: “A Comparison of Online and Traditional Testing Methods” - Bartlett, Alexander, Ouwenga, Ball State University, 2001

Advantages of Computer based Testing:

Objectivity in Results	Factors such as favoritism, evaluation fatigue, prejudice, ‘halo effect’ etc are eliminated.
Data Management and Accessibility	Considerable savings in resource utilization, time and cost
Better Security Secure lines.	Enhanced authentication- Biometrics and image capture during registration and assessment.
Use of multi-media in developing test questions.	In-depth measurement of aptitude, knowledge and skills
Translation, Localization and distribution.	Immediate installation in test centers country-wide and/or worldwide
Greater reliability and accuracy	More reliable in terms of authenticity of scoring
Randomization and parameterization	Candidates do not get the same questions or in the same order or both
Post-test analysis	Principles of psychometrics can help enhance data analysis, test development, revision and feedback.
Test Revision.	Errors and / or newer versions can be rolled out in minimal time
Return-On-Investment.	ROI is definitely better in the medium to long run.