reflection on "Technology in testing: the present and the future"

The web-based or computer-based testing programme is a good news for students, especially the college students. It is because there is no more date limit and place limit (it means that the students can choose their own time for testing at any place). Of course, it is not suitable for junior students, but it is a good idea to explore or develop this kind of technology in learning. As a student, I can choose the right date that I think I was well prepared. Also, I can do the test at home whenever it is raining or storming. And the students can get the result immediately. It save a lot as the cost reduced (e.g. paper, rent and electricity of the examination centre, marking time, salary for markers, etc.). It seems like what we are going to do in our assignment 3.

However, it has some disadvantages. It cannot make sure that the students work alone without any 'helper' around him/her. Helper means the one that the students ask for help. It makes the test unfair. And, the students may take out the reference books while they are taking the test. It makes the test unfair. Also, the students, who decide to take the test, can ask for tips from the previous students who did the same test right before. It makes the test unfair.

Therefore, the web-based or computer-based testing programme is not suitable for public or very important examinations. It can only be the mini test or test for self-learn.