Comments on Technology in Testing: the Present and the Future

Original article: Alderson, J. C. (2000). Technology in testing: the present and the future. System, 28(4), 593-603.

In this paper, Alderson (2000) evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of the computer-based language testing. The disadvantages are limited item types, computer familiarity, and not assessing productive skills. The advantages are no limitations of administrations, time and place, immediate result, flexibility, and large databases of items. Most of the advantages and disadvantages are concluded based on TOEFL CBT (computer-based test).

Here, I want to talk about my own experience of TOEFL. In Mainland China, only TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) and IBT (internet-based test) are introduced. And now, it is only IBT that Chinese students can take. As an IBT taker, I would like to say something about it.

Hot Potatoes and Dreamweaver

Hot Potatoes and Dreamwearver are perfect partners in creating online practice and editing the webpage. The two software, especially Hot Potatoes, are very easy to use. You can use them to create your own online practice or test for your studnets.

Hot Potatoes: free software http://hotpot.uvic.ca/

Adobe Dreamweaver (the former Macromedia Dreamweaver): trial download http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/

I will present two very simple online exercises by Hot Potatoes, and edit the webpage by Dreamweaver.

Here is Hot Potatoes. You can use it to create several types of exercises: cloze, match, quiz, cross and mix. Then by using The Masher, you can combine each practice into one integrated exercise.


(Please click the pics for large version)

Comments on Copyright

Copyright is a huge and sensitive issue in the whole world, especially in Mainland China. And it should be taken seriously.

According to the Intellectual Property Department of HKSAR, copyright protection extends to the following areas concerning education: literary works, drama, music, artistic graphics and sculpture, photographs, computer software, sound recordings, films, broadcasts, cable programmes and typographical layouts.

As for in Mainland China, here is a link to the Copyright Law of the People’s Republic of China: http://www.chinaiprlaw.com/english/laws/laws10.htm.

Discussion Board

A typical format of Discussion Board (Please click the pic for large version)

According to Nguyen & Kellogg (2005), discussion board is defined as “an asynchronous communication tool that allows one individual to post a comment or question online. Other individuals who are members of the same discussion board may read that comment/question, and respond with their own remarks over time.” (Nguyen & Kellogg, 2005)