EVOLUTION OF ELEARNING SYSTEMS AND OBJECTIVE TEST QUESTIONS RALPH ATTARD raland@raland.net BERNADETTE-MARIE BYRNE School of Computer Science University of Hertfordshire b.m.byrne@herts.ac.uk ABSTRACT Online assessments are an integral part of eLearning systems that enhance both distance and continuous education. Although over two-hundred and fifty eLearning applications exist, most educational institutions are trapped with a particular vendor primarily due to lack of in test-question sharing features. This paper highlights the evolution of eLearning systems whilst detailing the two most prominent objective test question standards, namely, QML and QTI. An analysis conducted amongst software houses which are involved in the development of eLearning systems confirms the fact that most applications make use of proprietary formats and clearly shows a lack of import and export options amongst other features. Keywords: eLearning, objective test questions, QML, QTI 1 INTRODUCTION Various eLearning systems exist today which feature objective test questions in the form of exams and quizzes. These systems typically store exam questions internally using proprietary formats. Certain learning management systems (LMS) also support standard formats for import and export purposes, usually either Question Markup Language (QML) or Question and Testing Interoperability specification (QTI), with only a few that support both. Such interoperable formats allow educational institutions to export their question banks from their present systems and import them into others that support the same formats. In this study, virtual learning environments (VLE) such as Moodle and Blackboard were studied to identify featured objective test questions and assess the level of import and export formats supported. The manufacturers of the identified systems were then questioned to augment collected information. This paper also defines the QML and QTI formats and lists the objective test question types supported whilst highlighting those common in both formats. 2 EVOLUTION OF ELEARNING SYSTEMS Figure 1: eLearning Systems Timeline Nowadays, eLearning Systems are used as a supporting aid for campus-based courses as well as a platform for distance and online learning. The origins of electronic learning date back to 1929 when the University of Alberta development an instructional device, the Problem Cylinder, to assist teaching and learning with the aim to minimise instructor involvement and increase consistency in data gathering. The concept of distance learning evolved from This paper is based on a master’s thesis that was carried out following the award of a STEPS scholarship and has been part- financed by the European Union - European Social Fund (ESF) under Operational Programme II - Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, "Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life". © 2011 Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Information and Computer Science