Author(s)

T. Filatov & V. Popov

Abstract

In distance learning the function of measuring the students’ knowledge is carried out by computer based assessment systems. However the development of these systems and distance learning as a whole is obstructed by the fact that a human analyst is still required to analyse the reliability of tests used and results obtained. This study reveals that it is possible by analysing the results of assessments to reveal the qualitative adjectives of the tests. This consequently means that it is possible to implement the self-assessment approach into automated testing systems, which would help teachers to evaluate their tests and assessments results without the help of specialists. This will also provide a platform for further automation and improvement of computer based assessment systems using the same principle. Following the study, a set of tools was developed aimed at conducting a comprehensive analysis of the results of assessments, to discover the foregoing factors and to report the conclusions in an understandable form. Keywords: distance learning, computer based assessment, intelligent analysis, statistics, self-analysis, assessment results, test quality. 1 Introduction Distance learning is developing rapidly nowadays. For the educational system to be really distant and computer based it should have an opportunity to assess students’ knowledge remotely in a similar way as delivered. Computer based multiple choice tests are being used for this purpose nowadays providing the opportunity to assess students’ knowledge automatically. This makes possible to automate most of the educational process. However the consequences of such

Keywords