Testing in a computer technology course: An investigation of equivalency in performance between online and paper and pencil methods

Abstract

This experiment sought to examine the equivalence of online and paper and pencil testing methods as related to student performance in a computer technology course. Test score and completion time were the dependent variables that were used to assess students’ performance. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design. Test scores were not significantly different on the variables of pretest, age, class standing, ethnicity, and gender. The findings showed that test scores were equivalent in both groups; however, time to complete the test was significantly different between the groups. The online testing group completed the test in less time than the paper and pencil group. The exploration of class standing did reveal that freshmen were the only group that took significantly less time to complete the online test. The study supports the online test method did not effect score as result of age, class level, and gender. With high demands on curriculum coverage within the classroom, career and technical education teachers are in need of an efficient method to conduct assessment activities without lessening their impact or purpose. Test administration is one type of activity that can be proctored. The integration of technology into the classroom is now affordable and realistic for most educational institutions. One of the latest technological advances that has potential to impact education is online testing. In the 1980s, the introduction of the personal computer caused an excitement in education that has yet to be paralleled (Miller, 2000). Within the realm of education, computers assumed supportive roles in teaching and learning (Gibson, Brewer, Dholakia, Vouk, & Bitzer, 2000; Miller; Newby & Fisher, 1998). Career and technical education teachers can use video clips, sound bites, animated graphics, photographs, tables and graphs, drawings, special effects, and more recently, the Internet to enhance instruction (Basics of Computer-Based Testing an