<![CDATA[Exams with More Learning and Less Stress with a Computer-Based Testing Facility]]>

686174 event 1762274862 1762283310 <![CDATA[Exams with More Learning and Less Stress with a Computer-Based Testing Facility]]> Exams are an important tool for summative assessment, but they often create stress for students and administrative burden for faculty. The University of Illinois’ Computer-Based Testing Facility (CBTF) supports thousands of students each semester, allowing flexible scheduling, frequent assessments, and a more effective learning experience.

In this talk, Dr. Craig Zilles will:

Share research on frequent and “second-chance” testing to enhance learning and reduce anxiety
Discuss patterns of cheating on unproctored online assessments
Describe how the CBTF reduces faculty workload while maintaining exam integrity

Dr. Zilles will also provide practical insights for implementing computer-based testing facilities at other institutions and discuss the potential benefits for large STEM courses.

Speaker Bio:
Craig Zilles is a Professor and Severns Faculty Scholar in the Siebel School of Computer and Data Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His current research focuses on applying computing and data analytics to education, including the development of the Computer-Based Testing Facility (CBTF). Previously, his research focused on the interaction between compilers and computer architecture, and he developed the first algorithm that allowed rendering arbitrary three-dimensional polygonal shapes for haptic interfaces (force-feedback human-computer interfaces). He received the IEEE Education Society's 2010 Mac Van Valkenburg Early Career Teaching Award and an NSF CAREER award. At Illinois, he has received a wide range of teaching awards, including a 2018 Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, a 2013 Illinois Student Senate Teaching Excellence Award, and the College of Engineering's Rose Award (2007) and Everitt Award (2008) for Teaching Excellence. He holds 5 patents and his research has been recognized by a best paper awards from ASPLOS in 2010 and 2013 and by selection for inclusion in the IEEE Micro Top Picks from the 2008 Computer Architecture Conferences.

Date & Time:
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 — 10:00 a.m

Hosted by:
School of Computing Instruction, College of Computing

]]> The University of Illinois’ Computer-Based Testing Facility (CBTF) has transformed assessment for thousands of students, enabling flexible scheduling, frequent low-stakes exams, and reduced test anxiety. Dr. Zilles will discuss lessons learned from operating the CBTF and strategies for implementing similar systems at other institutions.

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