Computer-Based Assessment of Cognitive Abilities: Current Status/Future Directions

Abstract

Rapid advances in the computer industry and the concomitant knowledge explosion have created a revolution in the information handling electronics industry. The continued proliferation of computer technology in the educational environment appears inevitable. There seems to be little doubt that recent advances in educational technology will have important consequences for educational institutions at all levels during the coming decades. Students, teachers, and administrators alike have already come to rely on bibliographic and statistical data bases, automated dictionaries, micrographic storage and retrieval systems, and specialized interactive cable and videotext systems for information access. Despite the impact of computer technology in the school environment, guidelines for planning and developing useable software for assessing cognitive abilities has warranted little attention in educational literature. This article suggests that computer-based support systems are now available which could be instrumental in solving the problems associated with cognitive assessment.