An application to Generate, Correct and Grade Multiple-choice Tests

When having hundreds or thousands of multiple-choice exams to correct and grade, time optimization, minimized delays on grades delivery, a transparent correction process and agility during the period of grade complaints are important issues. Our paper describes the design, implementation and results of SICOA, a web-based application for the automatic correction and grading of multiple-choice tests to tackle these challenges. The automatic correction is based on the optical recognition of the marks done by candidates on exams. This web-based software generates fully customized answer sheets that are printed and distributed to candidates. The applicant's personal information is encrypted and protected with a QR Code printed on exams. Answer sheets are scanned into the system and its marks are compared against previously defined exam variants with the correct answers. Digitization avoids the loss of exams, creates a digital archive of exams thus facilitating their review when analyzing the complaints of candidates or for future research work. A roll-based access control matrix is used. Operations performed in the automatic correction system can be audited.