Computer-Based Interactive Tasks: A New Approach in Mathematics Evaluation

Computer-based evaluation (CBE), especially with interactive tasks, is appropriate for the math domain, given its diverse teaching-learning goals: conceptual knowledge ideas and processes, procedural knowledge, problem-solving and inquiry processes. First, CBE can be used to evaluate student problem-solving and inquiry processes and not only products (i.e., the correct answer). Computerized labs designed according to principles in the domain can present phenomena, processes and connections between attributes. . Students can use labs to demonstrate their abilities to solve problems, make predictions and observations, record data and draw appropriate conclusions. Interactive tasks can assist in documenting processes and gathering information which could not be otherwise collected. Second, CBE can be used not only for summative but also for formative purposes. CBE can capture student strategies and inquiry skills, determine if they are systematic or random and identify student misconceptions. This data can be used by teachers to improve their teaching of diverse learners, and by students to help avoid repeating their errors. Third, CBE helps to neutralize student dependency on verbal skills, especially for populations with special needs (e.g., second-language learners and students with learning disabilities). Interactive tasks, which invite students to demonstrate practical skills not readily mediated by verbal expressions, can promote such improved measurement. Most importantly, the assessment tasks can be integrated onto the digital text-book.