A Comparison of Computer-Based Testing and Paper and Pencil Testing in Mathematics Assessment (original) (raw)

2020, Online Journal of New Horizons in Education

Today's schools turn to computers for all aspects of learning, including assessment. While advantages to computer testing do exist, the comparability between paper pencil tests (PPT) and computer-based tests (CBT) must be considered. This study examined whether the testing medium impacts student performance in math assessment by addressing three questions. First, does a test mode effect exist, as evidenced by mean score difference between a CBT and a PPT? Second, does question type: multiple choice, constructed response, or extended response, relate to student performance? Third, does either gender or computer experience and familiarity impact CBT and PPT scores? Eighty 6 th grade students took math tests with half of the questions on a PPT and half of the questions on a CBT. A computer familiarity survey was completed prior to the unit tests. Significant differences were found for one of the unit tests and for some of the question types. Introduction Technology plays an increasingly integral role in education today. This is evidenced in the daily instruction from teachers, to student interactions with the curriculum, and even to homework completion. One component of this increasingly technology-driven classroom is CBTs, computer based tests. The trend of CBT in lieu of the traditional paper and pencil tests, PPT, is witnessed across all academic subject areas. It is a trend also experienced at both the individual classroom level and at the state level on standardized tests.