1.1. Problem Statement
The general problems to be solved by the Test Tool are the
following:
- current methods of test generation are costly and time
consuming, requiring the instructor to create numerous paper copies of
each test to distribute in his classes,
- current methods of test collection and grading are time consuming
and prone to human error, and
- test taking products on the market today are insufficient to
satsify the needs of the potential users (see section 1.5 for product
reviews).
The Test Tool offers a solution to these problems with certain
functional improvements over currently existing tools. It focuses on
generating electronic tests that offer multiple question types,
automatic collecting and grading of completed tests, and providing a
means of sharing and storing questions for future use. The Test
Tool also emphasizes two other areas that pertain
to the creation of this product:
- it provides an instructional tool in the
area of software design and implementation, including examples of the
practical application of formal methods, and
- it will provide fully documented public
domain
source code for use by others.