Checking the students aptitude for a bachelor program: experiences with a web-based tool

Abstract

Research Abstract: Checking the student’s aptitude for a Bachelor program: Experiences with a Web-based tool Research Objectives: In autumn 2014 the Bachelor program „Business Information Technology (BIT)” has been launched. BIT is about the application of information technology in business with the focus on building information systems. Since several terms, it can be observed that a considerable number of students faces difficulties in modules related to programming and mathematics at the beginning of the study. In order to monitor the aptitude of the program for beginners a project was launched with the aim to develop a method and a web-tool supporting the self-assessment related to indispensable competencies in the BIT program. Methodology: The aptitude test - built with Google Forms - currently consists of 31 predefined multiple choice questions and calculates an overall aptitude value and single aptitude values for the main categories logical and analytical thinking, understanding algorithms and abstract thinking. The questions are taken from well-established test systems like ELIGO-System, BOMAT, CASA etc. and are typically solved within less than 45 minutes. The students can check their suitability for the study programme by comparing their overall aptitude value with a given threshold. First test runs conducted with the tool confirm the validity of the aptitude test. The future scope will involve more students and deal with an analysis of concrete weaknesses that can be used as input to adapt the settings of programming and mathematics modules.