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Sat, Oct 8, 2:30 - 2:55, Governors E Paper (refereed)

Recommended Citation: Paranto, S and L Shillington. Is it Possible to Assess Information Systems Skills using a Multiple-Choice Exam? In The Proceedings of the Information Systems Education Conference 2005, v 22 (Columbus OH): §3532. ISSN: 1542-7382. (A later version appears in Information Systems Education Journal 4(24). ISSN: 1545-679X.)

Is it Possible to Assess Information Systems Skills using a Multiple-Choice Exam?

Refereed

5 pages

Sharon Paranto    [a1] [a2]
Department of Management Information Systems
Northern State University    [u1] [u2]
Aberdeen, South Dakota, USA    [c1] [c2]

Leigh Shillington    [a1] [a2]
Northern State University    [u1] [u2]
Aberdeen, South Dakota, USA    [c1] [c2]

The percentage of students with knowledge and skills in the areas of computers and technology has gradually increased as the number and level of courses taught in the high schools have expanded. As a result, many business schools are electing to change the core Information Systems requirement in the business curriculum from an introductory computer course to an advanced applications course. This change better prepares business students with the skills they need for success in a global economy. However, when making this change, the decision must be made as to how to place students into the appropriate course, based on their level of knowledge and expertise. This paper addresses the placement issue and highlights how a well-designed multiple-choice test can be used as a placement tool when logistics and other factors prevent or limit the use of technology in assessing student skills.

Keywords: placement testing, assessment, business curriculum, multiple-choice exams, computer skills

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