Information and Computer Technologies for Improving International Assessment

Abstract

International assessments such as the trends in international math and science study (TIMSS), the program for international student assessment (PISA), and the international computer and information literacy study (ICILS) have traditionally relied on paper and pencil administration. These assessments are rapidly transforming into or have been developed as computer-based tests due to advances in information and communication technologies of the past decade. These computer-based assessments will eventually make traditional paper and pencil assessments obsolete. Specifically, international and other large-scale assessments can benefit from the use of automatic item generation (AIG) and/or computer adaptive testing (CAT) to enhance and strengthen test security and validity, as well as reduce costs over the course of multiple test administrations, encourage student engagement, and efficiently measure students' abilities.