Research summary
Dramatic global and economic changes are shaping how we create and deliver educational tests. The emphasis on information technologies and knowledge services requires skilled workers who can think, reason, communicate and collaborate effectively. Computerized educational testing can foster development of this highly skilled workforce. Computers allow educators to administer tests more frequently, so students can receive specific feedback continuously as they develop their skills and competencies. But, because tests are given more frequently, a constant supply of unique, content-specific items is needed. Automatic item generation is a methodology by which cognitive and psychometric theory guide the creation of tests that contain items generated using computer technology. Dr. Mark Gierl will address the challenging task of generating large numbers of high-quality test items needed to provide students continuous feedback during computerized testing.