Testing Center Relaxing Restrictions: Update on Potential to Use Other Web-based Assessment Platforms at the Arts & Sciences & East Campus Testing Centers
The Testing Center has for many years only allowed exams given in MapleTA. Starting this fall the Center has relaxed these restrictions and now allow other web-based assessment programs to be used. There is an “application process” to use any other web-based platform than MapleTA.
The paper-based form is available at:
http://scimath.unl.edu/wba/files/AlternativeTestingPlatformApplication_01.pdf
The form requires that the faculty member:
• display a “working knowledge” of the other platform,
• specify how technical support is obtained (which we will NOT provide), and
• that the endeavor has the support of the faculty member’s chairperson.
The reasons for relaxing the restriction include the following:
• Developing testbanks for web-based assessment is time-consuming. This is especially true when done in a manner consistent with best practices. (Individual questions are selected from pools, randomized, and provide instructional feedback. Students can “practice” with course concepts and taking a test is simply a proctored version of that practice. ) Most faculty will never have the necessary time.
• Many publishers have made assessment materials available that have been developed with considerable resources and have undergone extensive testing. Many are better than what faculty members could make by themselves.