A new method for quality control of multiple-choice tests was developed with the assumption that there are two classes of items-beneficial and nonbeneficial-to evaluate students' ability. The information function is applied to distinguish these two classes. Of 316 items on multiple-choice tests at Tokai Medical School in 1993, 224 (70.9%) were beneficial and 92 (19.1%) were nonbeneficial. Between these classes, the averages of passing percentage and the discrimination index were significantly different. The percentage of beneficial items varies with the form of items, whereas the average discrimination index does not.

A survey was conducted by mailing two questionnaires to 80 medical schools to obtain information about their utilization of information technology (IT)-based teaching methods. We found that more than 80% of schools are using ITbased teaching materials and that some 95% have lecture rooms where IT-based teaching is possible. However, only 10% of schools had a specific section that systematically supports the creation of IT-based materials.