Computerized adaptive testing: implementation issues

One of the fastest evolving field among teaching and learning research is students' performance evaluation. Computer based testing systems are increasingly adopted by universities. However, the implementation and maintenance of such a system and its underlying item bank is a challenge for an inexperienced tutor. Therefore, this paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) systems compared to Computer Based Test systems. Furthermore, a few item selection strategies are compared in order to overcome the item exposure drawback of such systems. The paper also presents our CAT system along its development steps. Besides, an item difficulty estimation technique is presented based on data taken from our self-assessment system.