Testing in a Computer Technology Course: An Investigation of Equivalency in Performance Between Online and Paper and Pencil Methods

This experiment sought to examine the equivalence of online and paper and pencil testing methods as related to student performance in a computer technology course. Test score and completion time were the dependent variables that were used to assess students' performance. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design. Test scores were not significantly different on the variables of pretest, age, class standing, ethnicity, and gender. The findings showed that test scores were equivalent in both groups; however, time to complete the test was significantly different between the groups. The online testing group completed the test in less time than the paper and pencil group. The exploration of class standing did reveal that freshmen were the only group that took significantly less time to complete the online test. The study supports the online test method did not effect score as result of age, class level, and gender.