The Transition to Computer-Based Assessment New Approaches to Skills Assessment and Implications for Large-scale Testing

In September 2008 the Joint Research Centre (JRC, IPSC) of the European Commission, together with the Iceland Educational Testing Institute, carried out an expert workshop on ¿The Transition to Computer-Based Assessment - Lessons learned from the PISA 2006 Computer Based Assessment of Science (CBAS) and implications for large scale testing¿. This report is based on input made and conclusions drawn from the discussions held on computer-based skills assessment in comparative surveys, such as the international PISA survey which is going to be fully computer-based in the near future. Specific emphasis is given to the comparison between paper-pencil tests and computer based assessment, electronic tests and gender differences, and adaptive vs. linear computer-based assessment. The volume is complemented by further articles in areas which have not been covered by workshop presentations. It therefore provides a comprehensive overview of issues and challenges to take into account when moving from traditional testing approaches to computer-based assessments at a national and international level.