A Comparison of Two Online Systems for Extensive Reading

Abstract

This paper presents a comparison of two computerised assessment systems for extensive reading - Moodle Reader (MR), and XReading (XR). Given differences in how the two systems measure reading outcomes, is there cause for concern about possible differences in recorded outcomes for readers based on the assessment system used? Drawing on data from system logs for three extensive reading classes at a Japanese university, two of which had worked with MR exclusively and one which had used MR and XR for one semester each, reading outcomes were analysed to see to what extent they varied for the different groups. Results suggest that differences observed in the data may be attributable to the different systems, but they are not of a scale that could be considered problematic. Consideration is also given to student preferences for the systems. The results are discussed in light of learner goal orientations along with some of the issues that may be faced in using such assessment systems in an extensive reading course.