What have examinations got to do with computers in education?

Courseware, i.e. computer based learning materials, usually includes some s elf-assessment for formative assessment. Insufficient attention has been pa id. however, to the link between formal assessment and use of courseware: t eachers and learners focus on examination syllabuses. Examinations bodies c an use only the simplest forms of ICT-based assessment (objective or multip le choice tests) until learners are familiar with newer styles. This proble m can be addressed on several fronts: with new ICT styles of tests, by deve loping websites supporting learners and teachers, by conducting field trial s using computers under examination conditions and by commissioning new typ es of examination questions built around online interactive simulations.