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Explanation of how to use JavaScript to provide a multiple-choice test that includes calculating the grade. Also refer to computer-based training, CBT, web-based training, WBT, intranet-based training, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Graded Test Using JavaScript

by Ron Kurtus (revised 9 January 1998)

Do you want to give your students or trainees an online test that automatically calculates the grade? Using JavaScript provides an easy way to do that.

Questions you may have on this subject are:

What does this type of test look like?
What is the JavaScript code for this test?
What are some problem areas?

(You can jump to to specific answer or simply read the text in order.)

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Sample test

Note: Your browser must be able to interpret JavaScript. To check this, click the Get Score button at the end of the test to make sure it works with your browser.

Instructions: Take test by clicking the correct round button for each question. Use the mouse and scroll bar to move to the next question. Do not use the down key, as it may change your answers.

1. What does "WBT" stand for?

a. World Boxing Association.

b. Web-Based Training.

c. Why Bother Testing?

2. What is JavaScript?

a. A programming language used with HTML.

b. The same as Java code.

c. The script used in the country Java.

3. Why use multiple choice tests in WBT?

a. It is different than regular tests.

b. It causes students to be confused.

c. It is easier to program and control.

JavaScript code

The following code was used in programming the test. (You can also examine the HTML source material).

Script language

This material can be placed either under <head> or directly under <body> within your HTML. The bracketed numbers after elements relate to the correct answer. The 9 answers for the three questions in this test are listed as 0, 1, 2...7, 8.

function tester() {

var a = 0

var b = 0

var c = 0

if(document.forms[0].elements[1].checked==true) {

a = 1

}

if(document.forms[0].elements[3].checked==true) {

b = 1

}

if(document.forms[0].elements[8].checked==true) {

c = 1

}

total = a + b + c

grade = 33*total

if (total==3){

alert("Your grade is 100% correct. Great Job!")

}

if (total < 3){

alert("Your grade is "+ grade +"% correct.")

}

</script>

Form material

The JavaScript code for the actual test is always within <body> of the HTML.

<dl>

<h4>1. What does "WBT" stand for?</h4>

<p><input type="radio" checked name="R1" value="V1">a. World Boxing Association.</p>

<p><input type="radio" name="R1" value="V2">b. Web-Based Training. </p>

<p><input type="radio" name="R1" value="V3">c. Why Bother Testing?</p>

<hr>

<h4>2. What is JavaScript?</h4>

<p><input type="radio" name="R2" value="V4">a. A programming language used with HTML.</p>

<p><input type="radio" name="R2" value="V6">c. The script used in the country Java.</p>

<hr>

<h4>3. Why use multiple choice tests in WBT?</h4>

<p><input type="radio" name="R3" value="V7">a. To be different than regular tests.</p>

<p><input type="radio" name="R3" value="V8">b. To cause confusion among the students. </p>

<p><input type="radio" name="R3" value="V9">c. It is easier to program and control. </p>

<hr>

</center></div>

</form>

</dl>

Problem areas

There are a few problems with using JavaScript.

Not included in the code is a form for the student to input his or her name, as well as a way to send the test result and name via e-mail to the instructor. That code will be included at a later date.

Also, this type of test is not perfect.

A student familiar with HTML and JavaScript may be able check the source code and figure out the correct answers to this test.
The student may not have a browser with JavaScript enabled.
The browser may not be able to recognize JavaScript. I had this problem with a school that had very early versions of Netscape installed.
If a test-taker uses the down arrow computer key to move to the next question, the answer of the previous question is changed.

Summary

Using JavaScript in this way is a simple method to give an online test to students and to have the grade automatically calculated. But there are some problems and refinements to be made.

Answers to Readers' Questions

Keep things simple -- but not too simple

Resources

The following are resources on this subject.

Websites

eLearning Resources

Books

Top-rated books on eLearning

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Why is classroom training considered part of eLearning?

2. What disadvantage is there to self-paced eLearning?

3. Why would you have a classroom session in blended sales training?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a champion in eLearning development. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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