Analysis, Design and Implementation of Web Examination System _WBES

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.