Round Robin: What's of Interest in Online Testing?
all participants
A round up of issues/questions related to this meeting's topic.
Chandler-Gilbert Interested in various models and methods of testing that may help to turn student affairs into academic affairs testing.
Paradise Valley To try to get a better understanding of testing complexities and resolution.
Phoenix College Interested in sharing and learning various testing methods within WebCT testing. Interested in accommodating online learning in the classroom.
Glendale nterested in software and different testing methods. They are currently testing software, so the examples shown today may assist them in the future.
Rio Salado Interested in sharing testinh methods used at Rio Salado
WebCT Testing Center at Phoenix College
Sandra Wells and Kurt Chambers (Phoenix College)
The Learning Technologies and Development department is responsible for WebCT online/hybrid testing. At the beginning, lack of resources stipulated that only online classes could use the proctored WebCT testing service, but as resources became available , hybrid courses were included. Over the years, our processes and software have improved, as well as our data collection.
If you are thinking about offering proctored testing for online/hybrid courses then this sessions information will be meaningful. The software developed for testing will be shared as well as processes, data, and challenges which have occurred as we have grown. The testing data collected is informative (cost per test, head count per hour, per week, and semester) and will give you a balanced idea of the costs and time involved in offering this service.
The WebCT (e-learning system) Testing center has been in existence for almost three years.
The testing center started with twelve computers, it has since doubled the number of computers used for WebCT testing. There are two different testing centers, one is just for WebCT testing and the other is for all other types of testing. There was 1718 tests done last year. In one semester (August ÐDecember), as much as $737.46 was spent on proctored tests. During the finals week the cost could be as low as $1.34 for proctored tests. The instructors are allowed to edit or delete exams, close an exam and print reports. Students are encouraged to take quizzes before final exams.
The testing center is setup for students to walk-in. Students with special needs will be accommodated if requested in advance. Fridays and Saturdays are major testing days. ID photo is required for check in; digital photos are taken and stored in the database. Proctors use the SyncronEyes software to monitor testing stations and to log students in to their quiz.
WebCT Testing Center: Data From Fall 2004 and Future Directions (Presentation)
Acrobat version of PowerPoint: webct_testcenter1105.pdf [160k PDF]
Sandra Wells: Overview and Data on WebCT Testing Center (25 minutes) Download audio [5.7 Mb MP3 audio]
Kurt Chambers: Demonstration of WebCT Testing Center Scheduling Software (21 minutes) Download audio [4.8 Mb MP3 audio]
Online Testing at Rio Salado College
Linda Lukey (Rio Salado )
Rio Salado has five testing locations: Tempe, East Valley, Luke AFB, Paradise Valley, and Sun City. Tempe testing Center is the main site and is responsible for processing all exams.
There are three separate teams, all work together in testing process: the Administration Team, which Administers exams, processes paper exams, and oversees files; Proctoring Team processes all exams that are administered outside of Maricopa County; and the Technical Team grades exams, manages grade keys, and works with faculty with questions and concerns.
Rio Salado uses Accuplacer; a web-based test that automatically scores the exam once the student completes testing. They also use Asset, a paper and pencil exam that is scored at the Tempe testing center. Students located outside of Maricopa County take in-person exams at an approved proctoring site. Proctors must meet specific criteria: must be from an accredited university, accredited college, public library, or military base. There must be no conflict of interest in having a proctor administer exams (family members or etc.)
Rio Salado College Testing Center (Presentation)
Acrobat version of PowerPoint: rio_testcenter_1105.pdf [3.8 Mb PDF]
Linda Lukey: Overview of Rio Salado College Testing Centers (22 minutes) Download audio [5.0 Mb MP3 audio]
Break!
all
Enjoy some snacks while networking.
Administrative Perspective
Rosemary Schweigert (Testing Center Director, Phoenix College)
Our goal is to provide service for students. We would like to see students to take tests in an area that is convenient for them. We would encourage making the process for testing seamless and painless.
Door Prizes
all
Stick around to see if you win one of the prizes (you must register on the sign in sheet and be present to win).