COURSE 1: Introduction to Computer-Based
Testing (CBT)
Course 1: Introduction to Computer-Based Testing
(CBT)
Major Topics
•
•
•
•
•
Introduction to computer-based testing (CBT)
CBT and the GED testing program
Research-based approach to CBT
Our partner Pearson VUE
Preparing for CBT implementation
2
Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
3
What is Computer-Based Testing?
•
Test administration via computer (NOT online)
•
Responses are recorded and scored electronically
•
Demographic data collection and reporting
completed prior to testing
•
Advanced questions types available: multiple
choice, fill-in-the-blanks, essay, etc.
Benefits of Computer-Based Testing
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rapid turnaround on test results
Greater choice of where and when to test
Centralized registration and scheduling
Reduced manual processes and errors
Increased test security
More standardized, automated processes
Quicker updates to test content
Who uses CBT today?
GED Computer-Based Testing is
Not Online
• GED testing today is conducted only in official
testing centers
• GED testing tomorrow will continue to be
conducted only in official testing centers
You cannot take the GED test online.
CBT and the GED Testing
Program
8
The GED Reality: 2010’s BIG Gap
39 million U.S. adults without a high school
credential
10.5 Million are age 18-34
1.3 million U.S. high school
dropouts annually
~ 800,000 GED®
Candidates
~ 500,000
credentials
9
Today’s Challenges
• Labor-intensive
• Multiple approaches--to achieve economies of scale
• Limited access
• Time to process credential
• Lack of flexibility
10
CBT and the GED Testing Program
• Will use the 2002 Series GED Test until 2014
• Will continue to have 5 parts, calculator and
scrap materials available for work and notes
• Testing centers will need to be approved by
Pearson VUE for computer-based GED test
delivery
• All jurisdictions should begin CBT
implementation by the end of 2013
Our Partner Pearson VUE
12
Our Partner: Pearson VUE
• Leader in global CBT
administration
• 600 academic testing
sites in the U.S. alone
• Facilities support
enhanced testing security
• More than 275 Pearson
VUE® Authorized Test
Centers on military bases
• Dedicated to education
and lifelong learning
Research-Based Approach
14
CBT Pilot Research 1: Usability Study
•
Goals: To understand how test-takers would interact
with the GED® test; To make improvements where
necessary
•
Methods: Study tested and reviewed user ability with:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mouse
Keyboard
Scroll bar
Understand and use exhibit windows
Provide (and change) a response
Navigate through set-based questions
CBT Pilot Research 2: Comparability
Study
• Goal: Ensure scores on the GED® tests delivered
through paper-based testing (PBT) and computer-based
testing (CBT) are comparable
• Methods:
– Eleven jurisdictions
– Eligible participants granted a “practice opportunity”
– Same test forms administered in PBT/CBT
– Matched sample of CBT participants’ scores with PBT
candidates
Is the GED Testing Field Ready for CBT?
About the same
percentage (60%)
offer computerbased testing
(outside of GED
tests)
Almost 60% of test
centers already have
computers—23
computers on
average
9 states have
computers available
in at least 75% of
their current test
centers:
Yes, but
we still
have work
to do…
California, Michigan,
and Texas each had
more than 50
centers with
potentially available
additional computers
17
Preparing for CBT
Implementation
18
Preparing for Computer-Based Testing
Implementation
•
•
•
•
Policies: Testing, as well as local and state
Data: Management and storage
Capacity: Site selection
Communications: Marketing resources, preparing
jurisdictional staff, gaining popular and legislative
support
• Support from GED Testing Service: Field Outreach,
Marketing and CBT Implementation teams
19
Planning CBT Implementation
• Discovery Process
– Jurisdictional implementation team consults with
GED Testing Service
• What are the main components of the plan?
• Who needs to be involved in its development?
• What is the time commitment to develop the plan?
• Strategic Implementation Plan
– Second consultation with GEDTS to review
discovery and to develop plan
• CBT Implementation
– Approve and begin implementation plan
20
Conclusion
Thank you for your interest and participation!
Next Steps
• You Should Review:
– Supplement 1A: Benefits of Partnership
– Supplement 1B: Usability Study Overview
– Supplement 1C: Comparability Study Overview
• You Can Share:
– This presentation and related materials are
available on www.GEDcbt.org and on GED
AccessPoint
21
To learn more about computer-based testing and
the GED testing program, review these other
courses online at www.GEDcbt.org:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Course 2: Becoming a Pearson VUE Test Center (PVTC)
Course 3: CBT Pricing
Course 4: CBT Policies in the GED Testing Program
Course 5: Registration and Scheduling
Course 6: CBT in Correctional Facilities
Course 7: Channel Management
Course 8: CBT Implementation Readiness & Checklist
Course 9: CBT Communications
22