Attitudes toward the implementation of computerized testing at IU School of Medicine (533.6)

Abstract

Computerized testing has been introduced at Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) as a way to standardize the assessment experience among the different campuses. The computerized testing uses medical students’ personal computers and requires ExamSoft Worldwide software to be loaded directly onto each computer. This software ensures that each exam can only be viewed during official testing times and blocks the use of other software and the internet during testing. This testing method was introduced during the second year of coursework for one medical school class (n=29). Student perceptions of computerized exams were of interest to faculty because this class took only paper exams during the first year of medical school. A survey was given to second year pathology students prior to their first experience with computerized testing to gather information on any concerns and preconceptions the students had about the new testing system. A second survey was given to the same class after two block exams had been taken with the computerized testing system. Prior to their first experience with computerized testing, survey responses indicated the class had concerns with the use of personal computers and the possibility of a technical malfunction, as well as how their performance would be affected by not having a paper copy of the test to make notes on. After taking two computerized exams, concerns about technical issues and the use of personal computers were reduced, but concerns about not being able to make notations on a paper copy of the exam remained.