Explores the potential of a neural network in language assessment. Nonnative speakers of French were asked to produce a short text in response to a picture stimulus. A neural network was trained to grade the text on the basis of codings. Results suggest that it may be possible to teach a neural network to mimic the judgments made by human markers.…

Demonstrates that both meanings of an ambiguity are accessed at the onset of the ambiguity when the context is biased towards the secondary meaning. This evidence does not support the context-dependent model, which says that contextual bias should aid the processor in selecting a meaning. (Author/VWL)

This report summarizes the twelfth survey of states by the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) at the University of Minnesota. Results are presented for all 50 states and 8 of the 11 unique states. The purpose of this report is to provide a snapshot of the new initiatives, trends, accomplishments, and emerging issues during this…

This study assessed the invariance in the factor structure of the "Test of English as a Foreign Language"™ Internet-based test (TOEFL® iBT) across subgroups of test takers who differed in native language and exposure to the English language. The subgroups were defined by (a) Indo-European and Non-Indo-European language family, (b)…

The value of open-ended responses for computer-assisted-language-learning lessons and language tests is asserted. Results from a study in which students' notes and recall protocols of computerized reading passages were scored by both people and computers indicate that computer programs can score reliably with people, and in less time. (45…

Describes the design and implementation of a computer-based listening test--the "Text dictation." The article first discusses the importance of listening centering on a coherent text, rather than short listening fragments, and discusses drawbacks of listening programs wherein the required responses consist of noninteractive test types, such as…

Addresses issues surrounding the effect of mode of presentation on second language (L2) reading test performance, reviewing the literature in cognitive ability testing in educational and psychological measurement and the non-assessment literature in ergonomics, education, psychology, and first language reading research. Generalization of the…

Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of computer-based language tests, explores in detail developments in Internet-based testing using the examples of the Test of English as a Foreign Language and DIALANG--an innovative on-line suite of diagnostic tests and self-assessment procedures in 14 European languages--and outlines a research agenda for…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of response modes by item and feedback type in a web-based language learning program. The subjects of this study, 122 Korean tenth graders learning English as a foreign language, were placed into groups of four and were given a web-based language learning program consisting of two…

Discusses the use of computers in schools and presents the factors to be considered before buying a school computer. Presents ways in which computers can be used in language instruction to teach reading, writing, listening, and speaking, to test, to translate, and to impart cultural information. (SED)

Since the writing section of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) computer based test (CBT) is a single-prompt essay test, it is very important to ensure that each prompt is as fair as possible to any subgroups of examinees, such as those with different native language backgrounds. A particular topic of interest in this study is the…

Discussion of the use of computer-assisted instruction in distance education focuses on computer-assisted language learning (CALL). Topics discussed include computer-managed instruction (CMI); computer-aided learning (CAL); computer conferencing; the current status of CALL hardware; computer-assisted tests; summative evaluation; and theories of…

Administered a questionnaire focusing on examinees' computer familiarity to 90,000 Test of English as a Foreign Language test takers. A group of 1,200 low-computer-familiar and high-computer-familiar examinees' worked through a computer tutorial and a set of TOEFL test items. Concludes that no evidence exists of an adverse relationship between…

Describes the development of a special set of tutorials for training nonnative English speakers to take a computerized test of English as a Foreign Language. The experiences of the 1169 individuals who participated in the computer-familiarity study are characterized in terms of timing and performance data and self-reported attitudes. Most…

Reflects on what has transpired in the second language (L2) testing field in relation to technology and situates developments within the larger language testing, general measurement, and educational contexts. (Author/VWL)