A New Approach to Computerized Medical Knowledge Assessment

Abstract

The development of “smart” test programs to assess the knowledge acquisition during the learning process and to identify areas in which to concentrate the effort, is a potential area of development in Computer Assisted Medical Instruction. We developed a “smart” interactive system, SuperTest, to train students to pass the test to have access to Residency Training Programs. We used object oriented techniques all over the project, from design up to the implementation phase, and developed it under a graphical interface. The program developed is able to assess the student initial knowledge in each area and produces a study plan balancing knowledge extension needs in each area with student proficiency. The plan is surveyed by small, one-area, tests, and continuously adapted to student progress. Eventually, a real test emulation is offered. The students acceptance has been encouraging. Similar techniques could be applied to a variety of tests.