Testing Writing on Computers: An Experiment Comparing Student Performance on Tests Conducted via Computer and via Paper-and-Pencil

Creator

Michael Russell
Walt Haney

Files

Publisher

Arizona State University, University of South Florida

Publication Date

January 1997

Abstract

Computer use has grown rapidly during the past decade. Within the educational community, interest in authentic assessment has also increased. To enhance the authenticity of tests of writing, as well as of other knowledge and skills, some assessments require students to respond in written form via paper-and-pencil. However, as increasing numbers of students grow accustomed to writing on computers, these assessments may yield underestimates of students' writing abilities. This article presents the findings of a small study examining the effect that mode of administration - computer versus paper-and-pencil - has on middle school students' performance on multiple-choice and written test questions.

Keywords

Educational evaluation

Extent

20

Volume

5

Issue

3

Language

English

Media Type

Journals (Periodicals)

Format

Digital Only

Identifier

E11-00072

Creative Commons

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Russell, Michael and Haney, Walt, "Testing Writing on Computers: An Experiment Comparing Student Performance on Tests Conducted via Computer and via Paper-and-Pencil" (1997). Education Policy Analysis Archives (EPAA). 13.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/usf_EPAA/13