Computer vs. Paper, Sweat and Pen: The Perception of Students About Computer Based Assessment

Authors

  • Daniel Ramos Nogueira Universidade Estadual de Londrina
  • Silvia Pereira de Castro Casa Nova Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade da Universidade de São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5700/issn.2177-8736.rege.2013.98691

Keywords:

Assessment, Computer, Technology, Accountancy, Student

Abstract

This study aims to verify the perception of undergraduate students in Economics of a public university, who were taking an introductory Accountancy course, about using computers to do bimonthly exams. Therefore, instead of usual paper and pen, the exams were electronically applied, with support of an online environment and the possibility of using electronic spreadsheets. After the implementation of two bimonthly tests, students were asked to answer a questionnaire adapted from an Apostolou et al. (2009) research, in order to obtain data about their perception of the advantages and disadvantages of online tests compared to traditional tests. Two classes, totaling 83 students, took part in the research. Results show that, most students (87%) are more prone to the realization of electronic tests. Some points stood out as being highly positive about online tests, such as flexibility for the realization of exercises, quicker feedback of the results and the elimination of the need of attending tests. As for the negative points, students indicated the elimination of discursive questions (in case the test has only direct questions). As a tool to identify hindrances to the adoption of electronic tests, the group of students who showed a negative perception was analyzed more closely, searching evidence to explain the lack of trust on that procedure. Analyzing the variables, students who do not trust in online tests have the perception that they limit the subject, they allow students to copy the answers (cheat) from each other (or from other sources), and affect negatively the grades obtained.

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Author Biographies

  • Daniel Ramos Nogueira, Universidade Estadual de Londrina
    Doutorando em Controladoria e Contabilidade na Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade da Universidade de São Paulo (FEA-USP) ̶ São Paulo- SP, Brasil Docente do Departamento de Ciências Contábeis da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) Mestre em Contabilidade e Finanças pela Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) Graduado em Ciências Contábeis pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL)
  • Silvia Pereira de Castro Casa Nova, Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade da Universidade de São Paulo
    Docente do Departamento de Contabilidade e Atuária da Faculdade de Economia , Administração e Contabilidade da Universidade de São Paulo (FEA-USP) ̶ São Paulo-SP, Brasil Pós-Doutora em Métodos Quantitativos Aplicados à Contabilidade pela Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo da Fundação Getúlio Vargas (EAESP-FGVSP) Doutora e Mestre em Controladoria e Contabilidade pela Universidade de São Paulo Graduada em Administração Pública pela Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo da Fundação Getúlio Vargas (EAESP-FGVSP)

Published

2013-09-02

Issue

Section

Ensino em Administração

How to Cite

Computer vs. Paper, Sweat and Pen: The Perception of Students About Computer Based Assessment. (2013). REGE Revista De Gestão, 20(3), 329-345. https://doi.org/10.5700/issn.2177-8736.rege.2013.98691