ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES OF COMPUTER-BASED FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS ASSESSMENT (based on the experience of using testing tools of the Moodle learning platform)

Abstract

The article deals with the issue of advisability and efficacy of administering computer-based testing (CBT) to assess students’ knowledge of foreign languages compared to the traditional paper-based testing. The research is based on the experience of using testing tools of the Moodle learning platform for the purpose of assessing foreign languages competences. The authors describe the procedure and analyze the results of the survey carried out among the professors and students of the National University of Ostroh Academy aimed at investigating their experience and attitude to both paper-based and computer-based language testing. The study reveals that professors, as well as students, prefer CBT despite the limited experience of using it. The article suggests five factors to consider when using testing tools of the learning platform: psychological and physiological comfort, technological capacity of the institution to support CBT, test structure and administration, and automated assessment and feedback. Not only do professors and students lack theoretical knowledge of the range of the tools
the learning platform offers, but they also need more hands-on experience of using computer-assisted language testing. Advantages and challenges of CBT and peculiarities of the computerized foreign language tests have also been considered in the article. Paper and pencil testing is recommended for creative tasks and those which involve graphic symbols.