Computer-Based Testing: Initial Report of Extensive Use in a Medical School Curriculum

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Computer-based digital technology offers many opportunities in medical education. One type of digital technology, computer-based testing (CBT), has potentially wide application in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing medical education. DESCRIPTION: This articles describes the development of CBT in an undergraduate medical curriculum. EVALUATION: An early step in evaluating CBT is to be sure that the exam format is measuring the examinees' knowledge and not their comfort level or confidence with the technology. It is, therefore, important that the CBT reproduce or accommodate traditional test-taking behavior. CBT also provides for a number of enhancements not easily achieved with traditional paper-and-pencil exams. These include easier control and editing of exam items, better incorporation of testing into the learning environment using specific feedback, and enhancing the questions by incorporating multimedia. CBT does present some unique challenges in testing security, and this article discusses the approach to the security issues. In addition, before initiating CBT into a medical curriculum, the institution must understand the technical and infrastructure requirements for CBT. CONCLUSIONS: By providing a 5-year experience with CBT in the medical curriculum, this article hopes to facilitate discussions among medical educators in its appropriate application and evaluation.

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