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Session 1375

Practice Makes Perfect: A simple Javascript Routine for Student Practice Tests that Anyone can Implement Gary B. Randolph, Dewey A. Swanson, Dennis O. Owen & Jeffrey A. Griffin Purdue University School of Technology – Anderson/ Purdue University School of Technology – Columbus/ Purdue University School of Technology – South Bend

Abstract

Beginning in the spring 1999 semester and continuing, the authors have used a simple Javascript routine to create web-based practice tests for students in various classes. Feedback from students has been very positive. Students indicate that the question-feedback cycle helps them gauge their readiness and feel more confident for the real exam.

This paper will discuss how the program works, how educators can enter customized test questions for the program using a simple text editor, and provide a web link for educators to use to download the program and customize it for their own classes.

I. Introduction

Computer software has been put to many different uses in education, including tutorials1, instruction delivery2, simulations3, and practice tests4. With the growth of the Internet, on-line practice tests have the advantage of allowing students to access the practice test at any time, allowing students to progress at their own pace, providing instant feedback, and allowing information to be constantly updated4. Students using online exams report that they appreciate the immediate feedback on their performance as well as the “anytime / anyplace” capability5.

Javascript is a simple non-compiled programming language for creating web pages.6 Javascript was used to create a practice test web page for students to use in preparing for exams. The fact that Javascript is non-compiled means anyone can easily modify practice tests for their own classes using a simple text editor program, as the authors have done. Being non-compiled also means that the questions and answers are not secured; any user who knows how to view the source can do so. But for the purpose of a non-graded practice test, that is of little concern. Students run the practice test to learn and gauge their knowledge, not to get a grade.

II. Taking the Test

When students start the practice test program they will first see a welcome screen telling them what to expect. When they click on the Start button they will then begin seeing questions as shown in Figure 1. The program is set up to select a random group of questions for presentation

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Griffin, J. A., & Swanson, D. A., & Randolph, G. B., & Owen, D. O. (2000, June), Practice Makes Perfect: A Simple Javascript Routine For Student Practice Tests That Anyone Can Implement Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8634