TOEFL CBT Rolls Along

TOEFL computer-based testing (CBT), which was introduced in July 1998, has been rolling along successfully in many ways. Students, teachers, and institutions have responded positively to improvements of the test, including the introduction of new question types and an assessment of writing skills. Of the over 700,000 tests TOEFL administered worldwide last year, approximately 300,000 were taken on computers.

In a pioneering effort like TOEFL CBT, some adjustments have had to be made to the original testing plans. For example, supplemental paper-based testing has been introduced on a temporary basis in several countries and areas where accessibility to CBT centers is limited. A Supplemental Bulletin, which outlines the places where paper testing is available, can be downloaded from the TOEFL website or can be obtained from local educational advising offices.

Understandably, this temporary reintroduction of paper-based testing has caused some people to wonder whether TOEFL is retreating from computer-based testing. Not at all: Computer-based testing offers exciting assessment possibilities and will continue to be the focus of TOEFL testing in the future as CBT is rolled out worldwide. Further evidence of the commitment to computer-based testing is reflected in the extensive research being conducted as part of the TOEFL 2000 project, an ambitious plan that will lead to a further enhanced computerized test with more communicative tasks in the next millennium.

More than 11 million students have taken TOEFL since it was introduced over 35 years ago; scores have been reported to more than 2,400 institutions in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and 80 other countries. Starting this fall, institutions will be able to receive TOEFL scores more quickly, via the Internet. TOEFL will post official scores on a secure Web server regularly, and receiving institutions can then download them. This service will be available only to institutions, not to students.

In addition, TOEFL will introduce a computer-based practice test in the year 2000. The product is intended to replicate the computer-based testing experience, including the display of unofficial score results. This product will complement the TOEFL Sampler CD-ROM, which is now available in a format that is compatible with both PC and Macintosh platforms.

For up-to-date information about the many TOEFL products and services-current and planned-please visit the TOEFL Web site at www.toefl.org. While you are there, you can also sign up for the TOEFL Internet mailing list to receive periodic updates about how TOEFL CBT continues to roll along.

Gena Netten, Associate Program Director, TOEFL Program, ETS.