Cambridge ESOL is introducing a computer- based version of the Preliminary English Test to give candidates more choice in how they take this lower intermediate exam.
The good news is that computer-based PET appears well suited to PET candidates and is likely to become popular with centres looking for greater flexibility and faster turnaround times. As not all centres are able to deliver computer-based products and some candidates will still prefer to take the paper-based version, computer-based PET has been developed as an additional service rather than a replacement for traditional paper-based sessions.
In February last year, 190 candidates from eight centres in Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates trialled computer-based PET. Analysis of the results and candidate feedback show that online testing can be a valid and popular alternative to paper-based testing.
The main focus of the trialling was to ensure consistent candidate performance between the paper-based and computer-based versions of PET. Candidates took the online test, a paper-based anchor test, and also took the paper-based March PET session. Analysis indeed showed that performance was consistent in both forms of the test but it also provided useful additional feedback.
Trialling exams gave a further opportunity to test the online delivery system and to get additional candidate feedback on task design and ease of navigation. All candidates completed a questionnaire and some were asked to take part in post-test focus groups. The vast majority of candidates thought the test format was easy to use, with 96% giving ratings of 3 or above on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 indicates total agreement. A number of specific questions about candidates’ reactions to reading, writing and listening on computer were then asked in order to gauge the general suitability of taking a test on computer rather than on paper.
In response to the question ‘Did you find reading on computer easier than reading on paper?’ 46% found it easier, whereas only 25% preferred reading on paper. This may reflect an increasing familiarity with on-screen reading, at home, in school or at work. Typing written answers on computer was much more popular than writing by hand, with 67% saying they preferred typing and only 25% expressing a preference for handwriting.
Listening was even more popular on computer, with 87% expressing a preference for listening on computer as opposed to listening as a group from a CD or cassette player. This is probably not surprising as listening through headphones, with the ability to change the volume, is a more personal experience.
The computer-based version of PET will offer some different advantages for both centre and candidate. There will be more frequent test opportunities, and online entries will enable shorter lead in times for centres. The exam results will be available to candidates online from March 2006.
Computer-based PET went live at a small number of European based centres in November 2005 and will be available in centres worldwide from March 2006.