Comparison of Live Versus Paper-Based Assessment in Computer Applications Courses
Nicole B. Koppel, Kimberly Killmer Hollister
Thispaperfocuses on a study to assess the effectiveness ofusing computer-basedassessment(eRA) in an undergraduate computer application course. We examine the impact on student performance ofa eRA as compared to a traditional testing method. Datafor this project was gathered through (1) questionnaires completed by students which evaluated their experiences and reactions to the computer-based tests as assessment tools; (2) in/annal interviews with faculty that administer computer-based tests to determine their perceptions ofusing this medium for testing; and (3) analysis of student test scores in both conventional paper-based tests (PBT) and computer-based assessments. Study results indicated that both faculty and students reactedfavorably to the eBA environment and recommend its continued use. Students demonstrated a higher level ofperformance on the PBTs when compared with the eBA results.
Nicole B. Koppel received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University. She is currently an assistant professor of information and decision sciences in theSchoolof BusinessatMontclair State University. Her teaching and research interests are in the areas of management information systems, decision support systems, and pedagogical and gender issues in technology. In addition, Dr. Koppel serves as the director for the Women in Engineering & Technology Initiative-FEMME Programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology. She has recently published a paper in T.H.E. Journal.
Kimberly Killmer Hollister received her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently an assistant professor of information and decision sciences in the School of Business at Montclair State University. Dr. Hollister's current teaching and research interests focus on management information systems and supply chain management. She has recently published papers in the European Journal of Operational Research, the Journal of Accountancy, and T.H.E. Journal.
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