Auditorium Presentation

Computerized Testing to Prepare Medical Students for the National Boards

Jeanne B. Schlesinger, Brenda L. Seago, Chris L. Stephens
Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus

Abstract:

In response to the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) announcement that Step 1 and 2 of the National Boards would be computerized in 1999, a team of experts from the School of Medicine's Computer Based Instruction Lab and Curriculum Office at MCV/VCU was convened to develop a plan for computerized testing. The goal of this group was to prepare first and second year medical students to take the licensure exam on computer. One course in each of the first two years of medical school was selected to use for piloting the project. Now in the second year of this project, the computerized exam is being used in five courses.

This presentation will give an overview of the process: establishing the need, deciding to proceed, assembling a team of experts, choosing courses for pilot testing, anticipating problems, designing an interface, formating questions/images, addressing security concerns, creating a practice prototype, administering the exam, scoring/item analysis, and examining implications for the future.

This discussion will be accompanied by a computer demonstration of the electronic exam, an item analysis program, and a Web site.

Benefit in Attending Session:

For institutions contemplating the addition of computerized testing to their curriculum, this discussion will present a successful case study that can serve as a model. Attendees will hear about the broad scope of this undertaking, from the initial germ of the idea, through the myriad tiny details that must be addressed to insure success. They will be able to leave this session with resources that will guide them in determining whether or not electronic testing is feasible at their institution.

Jeanne B. Schlesinger, M.Ed.
Medical College of Virginia Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University
1217 E. Marshall St. #H103
P.O. Box 980496
Richmond, VA 23298-0496
 
804-828-3918
Fax Number:
804-828-1603
schlesingerj@cbil1.cbil.vcu.edu
www.cbil.vcu.edu/
 
Name Co-Author(s):
Brenda L. Seago, M.L.S., M.A., A.H.I.P.
Chris L. Stephens
Medical College of Virginia Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University
1217 E. Marshall St. #H103
P.O. Box 980496
Richmond, VA 23298-0496
(804) 828-3914 (Brenda Seago)
(804) 828-3917 (Chris Stephens)
Fax Number(s):
(804) 828-1603
seagob@cbil1.cbil.vcu.edu
stephenc@cbil1.cbil.vcu.edu