Automated Testing System (SSr) in ICT

As part of their final ICT assessment, students took a test during their ICT lesson using a computer. Results were collected automatically in a password-protected database on the school server. The support staff at the Department of Technology in Education (DTiE) collected the results remotely through the State schools’ network infrastructure. Ultimately, all results were collated into one database. This system eliminated hours of marking, standardised the assessment, by-passed the manual method of collecting, recording and transcription of results, and provided immediate feedback at the end of every test.

 

 

The multi-user automated test system SSr was designed to facilitate the process of assessing students individually while completing a practical task.

 

Testing of practical skills in ICT.

 

 

Students.

 

 

National.

 

 

In-service training to all ICT teachers; exposure of the system to all school heads; support given at the DTiE by Secondary Support Unit; collaboration with Education Division Assessment Unit.

 

€37 000.

 

System implemented for annual assessment of all Form 3, 4 and 5 students (age group 13 to 15) at State schools amounting to 10 800 students. ICT skills were tested in a practical way using computers rather than pen and paper.

 

This automated testing system received support from the school administration, teachers and students but it requires ongoing support by a team of specialist teachers, developers to produce the questions, maintaining the test engine, uploading tests to school servers and refinement. SSr can be applied to the whole secondary age group (11 to 15 year olds) if the necessary support can be obtained.