Automated system (Automated Test) for measuring the effectiveness of computer training at SLIDA

Abstract

At present there is no accurate and quick way to measure the effectiveness of computer training, which is given to her trainees by SLIDA (Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration the premier training institute of public sector).This project aims to attack to that problem by developing a computer based automated test. This automated test is supposed to be conducted before and after the training. It has preset performance tasks to deal with computer practical and some MCQ to deal with computer theory.

For the MCQ test, a randomly selected set of MCQ are used. For the practical test, a specially developed working area simulates the functionalities of a word processor. Candidates should try to accomplish the pre set tasks and answer for MCQ on their GUI. The software tracks candidate’s behavior and stores following performance data.

1. Correctness of the candidate’s end result 2. Actions taken 3. Time spent to finish the tasks

This stored data is used to generate quick reports to indicate the performance of candidates at individual and group levels. Through the comparison of before and after performance indicators, the effectiveness of training could be accurately judged by the organization. Further advance analysis is performed by exporting the stored data set to a statistical package. The remarkable feature of this system is majority of original data is generated by the software itself by capturing the natural performance of candidates.

Following tools were used to design and develop the software product. • Rational Rose 2002 for designing • VB.NET for developing • MS Access for data base management • Crystal Reports for report generation

This project report describes the story of evolution of new system, “automated test” in a structured manner.