The Use of Computer Technology in Designing Appropriate Test Accommodations for English Language Learners

Dyslexic students: from language learning to language testing

“…The advantages computers can offer concern, for instance, the opportunity to provide several accommodations to be employed at the same time and within the test itself, including the adjustment of the font size on the computer screen or self-voicing applications. In addition, computer-based tests allow consistency and uniformity in delivering the accommodations required (e.g., read-aloud) in order to satisfy the individual needs of each single user (Abedi, 2014). This is even more evident when human readers are asked to read aloud the options of a given item, since they might emphasise the right answer, giving unintentional cues to the students, altering the construct of what is being measured (Abedi, 2014).…”

“…In this case, the possible accommodations to adopt might be represented by asking dyslexic students questions in their native language and by allowing them to answer again in their native language. This is something similar to the dual language version of a test, as referred by Abedi (2014). Furthermore, answers might also be provided orally, where open-ended questions are expected, or by administering multiplechoice items, provided that they are not negatively formulated or particularly and deliberately tricky.…”

Enhancing a Computer-Based Testing Environment with Optimum Item Response Time

“…In addition, Lee and Jia (2014) noted that "the paper provides a way to address the issue of rapid-guessing behavior" (p. 21). On the other hand, we can obtain much more useful information than the response time if we use computer-based testing (Abedi, 2014;Kong et al, 2007;Schatz & Browndyke, 2002;Schatz & Zillmer, 2003;Weinerth et al, 2014;Wirth, 2008). Current technology provides us numerous opportunities in educational assessment (Abedi, 2014;Adesina, Stone, Batmaz, & Jones, 2014;Jeong, 2014), such as tracking students' behaviors during a computer-based test.…”

“…Clariana and Wallace (2002) name this impact the "test mode effect" (p. 593). Hence, computer-based assessment environments could be enriched with embedded additional features to reinforce students' assessment process (Abedi, 2014). For instance, optimum response time for each item could be showed on screen in order to support students' time management during testing and encourage them not to answer questions rapidly.…”

“…There are many measurable components to be assessed in education including knowledge, skills, attitudes, and perceptions. Hence, researchers have used numerous methods and techniques to acquire valid (Abedi, 2014;Chou, Moslehpour, & Huyen, 2014;Schatz & Putz, 2006), reliable (Chua, 2012), and meaningful assessment results.…”