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