Abstract:
Web Based Testing System (WBTS) is gaining popularity all around the world due to its
diversified application and dynamic nature. Still there is a valid requirement of research
in many areas for implementing a WBTS. While almost all commercial testing systems
provide the ability to build multiple choice questions (MCQ), very few of them
implement hot spot or selection/association type questions. Each of the question
categories evaluates different types of knowledge. This obviously imposes the
requirement of a testing system that provides the widest range of question types available
since different learning outcomes assessed within different courses.
Current status of the existing WBTS like Blackboard, WebCT, Castle, WebMCQ
and CQuest Net is analyzed and a customized solution for different tests to be conducted
at different campuses of NUST is developed. The solution inherits all the functionalities
of existing WBTS and adds novel methodologies by implementing question types such as
multiple choice, multiple response, true/false, selection/association, visual identification/
hot spot and short answer. It promises to unravel the problem of assessment and
automated examination management, by utilizing latest tools and methods.
An application, Web Based Examination System (WBES) is developed after
applying all the concepts presently under discussion by researchers and carefully
analyzing potentials, benefits, and limitations of implementing Web-based assessment in
education and training. System has a user friendly interface for online developing,
administering and delivery of assessments tests. Unit testing and system performance
testing ensures its reliability and consistency.