Moodle calculated questions as a means of testing knowledge and skills

Abstract

Problem statement. Fraud in the conduct of computer testing is a significant risk factor for incorrect assessment of learning outcomes. Modern technical means (smartphones, smart watches, etc.) allow test-takers to freely use the database of correct answers to the test tasks created during the preparation for the exam or purchased on the side of the database during the control. This circumstance reduces the reliability of computer testing. Methodology. Among the types of testing questions offered by Moodle, calculated tasks with the ability to program the correct answer and random number generators for generating initial data stand out. Such tasks, while maintaining the meaning, allow you to create an almost unlimited number of options for initial data and correct answers. The numerical answer entered from the keyboard is compared with the calculated correct value and a decision is made on the assessment. The capabilities of the built-in programming language of the correct answer, in particular, are limited by the absence of a conditional operator, which narrows the range of possible tasks to be solved. Results. The authors, using the declarative principle of programming, proposed sequences of statements in the built-in programming language of the Moodle computed question that implement the traditional if statement. The proposed method allows you to expand the capabilities of the programming language built into the question, but does not make it universal due to the lack of loop operators. Another type of Moodle test item, “Formulas”, is mentioned. Known methods of its programming provide even more opportunities for creating task options. The results of the experiment are presented. Conclusion. The use of calculated tasks with random input data will reduce the number of cases of fraud during computer testing and will allow, in some cases, to test not only knowledge, but also skills.