Computer-based testing - the ideal tool to assess on the different levels of Bloom's taxonomy

Computer-based assessment became one of the most common forms of technology enhanced assessment since the 1990s. Bloom's Taxonomy is widely used as a classification scheme to determine different levels of cognitive competencies. Using CBT for assessment has often been described as a tool to test on the lower levels of Bloom's taxonomy and that it promotes rote learning because it is very difficult to write items that will test on the higher cognitive levels. A study was done in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria to obtain the perception of students and lecturers regarding the level and use of computer-based objective assessment. From the study it is clear that it is a suitable assessment method to test on a variety of cognitive levels.