Getting Read for Online Assessent by: Tom Vander Ark
In the Huffington Post education section on March 29, 2012, blogger, Tom Vander Ark wrote about getting ready for the 2014 online assessment. Vander Ark shared a few concerns around the implementation of online writing tests. Read his blog post here.
What are your thoughts about online writing tests?
Is your state implementing writing tests online? If so, what are the pros/cons?
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03/06/2013 - 2:30pm by ldossin
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Comments
Online writing tests without keyboards?
I am concerned that students will not be able to test on tablet devices, such as iPads, because they don't have regular keyboards. When doing an online writing test, isn't a standard keyboard an advantage?
On a different note, when we use the "readiness tool" to count computers, do we only count computers that are located in an acceptable testing environment?
Online writing tests without keyboards?
We have a 1-1 iPad program for around 800 students in our district. I have observed that the students are extremely proficient and productive with composing using the tablet keyboard. They may not use the home row, but they get the job done. The students in our district do not get keyboarding instruction on the lab computers. It's been my informal observation that those who use the iPads can type content more quickly than those students using the touch keyboard because they don't have to track up and down between their writing piece and their fingers. In addition, they are very proficient with copying and pasting, making editing easy as well.
ipads and online assessments
I agree with the growing use of ipads and the students ability to use them without the keyboard. My concern is that in the specifications that PARCC put out they say that a screen size given as a minimum is more than what an ipad is. I think it is 9" and the ipads are 8" - so does that mean they just aren't optimum or they can't be used. It makes a big difference in the buying that schools need to plan for now. They are using ipads in classrooms for instruction, it would be great if they could use what they are used to using for the assessments as well. If that decision was made then the plans for how to make them secure could be done.
tablets and on line assessments
My concern is that the minumum specifications were written to deliberately exclude tablet devices such as the iPad. Not having to include tablets would relieve the test programmers from having to make IOS and Android versions of the tests, and to be able to write assessments using Flash and Java components.
The goal should be to have platform and device agnostic testing platforms that will run in any standards based web browser.
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Tablets and security
One issue that keeps coming up around tables is security and the home button. The current online tests model requires the computer to be locked down during testing. Students can't open other programs while in the test. The iPad has the home button which can't be disabled without leaving the iPad as inherently unsecured. The best solution would be to have a testing app that would disable the home button but I haven't seen this option without jailbreaking the device. Another possibility is a physical cover for the home button. I have seen permanent covers which schools may not want on their school iPads that are used for instruction. There are also less permanent and less secure physical covers. I have even heard the suggestion of using a binder clip to cover the home button.
None of these is an ideal solution. Is there anyone who uses iPads extensively in their schools who has a solution regarding iPads and security?
tablets and security
Unless Apple makes changes to IOS, and allows for things like iMessage to be restricted and for the home button to be disabled, there will be security issues with using an iPad. You might be able to use iPads restored to factory defaults with nothing on them but default installed apps and test using a virtual desktop app. This is a good article about someone who has actually used ipads for digital exams, the lockdown procedure followed, and possible security issues:
http://speirs.org/blog/2012/2/6/digital-exams-on-the-ipad.html
Flash and Java considered harmful
I was dismayed to read in a side note of a presentation that the Smarter Balanced online assessments will most likely require Flash and Java in order to provide interactivity during the assessment. As has been commented on, this will eliminate iOS devices from the program, just at a time when many, many school districts are deciding that laptop and desktop computers are too expensive and difficult to maintain.
I hope that the assessment providers (that means you, Pearson) will make a real attempt to start building software using the latest, most plaform-agnostic tool sets available, rather than just mining the Flash- and Java-based content they have acquired over the last 15 years.
In other words, HTML 5 and Javascript.
I hope the assessment technology readiness team will make some attempt to see if the number and variety of devices that are available for use in online assessments would be enlarged by using HTML 5 to replace outdated Flash or Java implmentations. My guess is that many of the textbook publishers and other educational content providers will be making this transition over the next year; I hope that the Common Core can also lead the way.
New guidelines issued today
http://www.smarterbalanced.org/news/smarter-balanced-and-parcc-issue-guidance-for-new-instructional-technology-purchases/
Hardware
Operating System
Networking
Device Type
“Schools and districts make decisions each year about what types of hardware and software to purchase for instructional use, and they want to know that any devices acquired over the next two years will be compatible with the new assessments,” said Tony Alpert, chief operating officer of Smarter Balanced. “We are confident that new computers and tablets meeting these specifications will be Smarter Balanced-ready in 2014-15.”