A few weeks ago, the scantron machine was moved to the North Institute. This gives us some additional opportunity to meet faculty, students or staff, and that’s great. But we have also witnessed how much paper this machine can consume. Most standardized tests can be easily converted to Blackboard tests. The North Insitute can either teach you how to do that, or can convert such tests for you ourselves. A paper-based tests can be changed into an online test by following three actually simple steps:
- Prepare your test in Word following a template;
- Import the test into online format using Respondus (we have a site license for faculty to use);
- Publish the test on Blackboard
There are a few advantages of using Blackboard Tests:
Benefits to instructor:
- No need to grade standardized items;
- Scores and statistics would be linked to Grade Center, which makes final calculation easy;
- Tests can be rolled over from semester to semester;
- It’s possible to reduce cheating with the use of Lockdown Browser;
- Tests can be changed easily;
- Test questions can be easily randomized;
- No more missing grades due to missing information on Scantron answer sheets;
- Having all tests ready will make it easy to convert a course to an online course someday.
Benefits to students:
- Immediate test results (grade, feedback, correct answers);
- Chance to take the exam again if the test is set up to allow multiple attempts (it’s an instructor’s call if multiple attempts are allowed);
Benefits to OC:
- More cost-saving (Paper, Printing supply, Scantron sheets)
Benefits to the Environment:
- Blackboard tests are greener. It can save tons of paper each year!