Software system for automatic reading, storing, and evaluating scanned paper Evaluation Sheets for questions with the choice of one correct answer from several offered

Abstract

Although the technology to automatically score multiple-choice tests has been around for several decades, it is still not as widely available or affordable, especially for paper-based test processing. The main reasons that hinder these processes are the lack of software systems capable of working with contents that are not filled optimally and do not require expensive scanners or other costly equipment. In this study, we present a software system for the automatic reading, storing, and evaluation of scanned assessment sheets. This software system offers a solution that only requires the usual scanned Evaluation Sheets in the form of a not high-resolution image and with the help of specific markers, the system performs reading, storage, and scoring. The user interface is designed to read and display the data from the Evaluation Sheets in detail so that they are very understandable to the user and allow him to quickly spot any errors. The tool has been validated over six years of use and has been continuously improved throughout that period. Thus, this software system achieves a high level of reliability and sensitivity to different levels of the quality of filling out Evaluation Sheets by students.