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Test generation software enables
teachers to type in questions, scoring criteria, test format information,
and other test specifications using
relatively simple, menu driven computer software programs. Teachers can
revise, review, modify, update, and print out the resulting tests.
These
software programs allow for mixing multiple choice, short answer, true
false, and other types of questions by selecting those that apply
to them
manually or having the computer randomly select them.
For example, Assessment Systems Corporation offers several test generation
and development programs including FastTEST. FastTEST (www.assess.com)
makes it easy to enter test questions into item banks and then quickly
create tests for printing or for computer administration. Teacher's Resource
Companion
(www.toolsforteachers.com)
is a similar software program that enables teachers to prepare a variety
of worksheets, complete thematic units, and tests. For example, teachers
can use Teacher's Resource Companion to create phonic worksheets, story
starters, and high school level biology units. The software enables the
creation of a variety of assessment and teaching activities in multiple
choice, matching, fill-in, true and false, picture, and word search formats.
Teacher's Tool Kit
(www.teachertools.com)
is another test generation program that features the ability to create
and print puzzles, worksheets, quizzes, and exams. Available programs
in the Teacher's Tool Kit software include word search, word scramble,
quick quiz, particular academic subjects.
Although
test generation programs such as these have many attractive features,
they also display certain limitations including test security and student
supervision concerns especially with computer based test administration.
Also, many teachers lack access to the suitable computer hardware and
software necessary to use these programs. Finally, flexibility limitations
imposed by computer based test generation programs may make it difficult
to adapt tests for learners with special needs.
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