Design & Implementation Of A Computer Adaptive Test System

With the rapid development of computer science and network technology, application of computer-based test becomes more and more popular. Test on computer can always reduce the influence of man-made factors, it can also be more quick, more impersonal and more safe. Besides it can release teachers from burdensome work as test papers organization, marks determinant and result analysis, etc. In now a days, technology of computer-based test are widely used in many kinds of diploma tests, post and rank tests, certificate tests.Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) bases on Item Response Theory (IRT) arose in the middle of 1980's. CAT is brought forward to dispel the limitation of Classical Test Theory. It can choose different examination questions based on the ability of different examinees, the final marks will be independent of examination items (questions).CAT test can measure the real capacities of the examinees more exactly ,more impersonality and quickly, it is very possible that CAT will be the mainstream of the future examinations.In this paper, the author firstly analyze status quo and development ofcomputer-based test and CAT test. Then introduce IRT------the theory basis ofCAT, and briefly explain the implement method of a typical CAT system.After that, the author give out analysis and design thoughts of a practicalsystem------ "Computer Culture Basis" course CAT system. Introduce in detailabout the system collectivity structure, fine design of the system modules, and some other problems and correlative technology. And describe the course of how the forenamed system practically implement, stress on the implement of test module .In the end of the paper, the author summarize the strongpoint of the system , point out the problems that need betterment and extension, and give out a farther research direction.