Ocotillo Spotlight on Instructional Technology
Note: The Ocotillo Spotlight is no longer published, but all previous issues will remain on this site.
spotlight for April 2004
The April 2004 Ocotillo Spotlight visits the WebCT Testing Center at Phoenix College, which provides proctored testing for students in any course that uses WebCT.
WebCT Testing Center at Phoenix College
written by Sandra Wells, Learning Technologies & Development, Phoenix College
In the spring of 1998 interested faculty at Phoenix College began using WebCT to develop online course material. In the early years of WebCT usage, proctored testing was handled by the Phoenix College Testing Center.
But the WebCT online testing needs increased dramatically. By 2001, the small Phoenix College Testing Center was being inundated with WebCT proctored testing requests. The need dramatically impacted the testing center's ability to give the hundreds of online tests requested, plus other tests, such as COMPASS Computerized Placement and Support System) and GED (General Educational Development).
In the spring of 2002, a separate WebCT Testing Center was created to accommodate the increased online testing demand. Located in the Computer Commons electronic classroom, this center is open 20 hours a week. The times of operation are 5:00 pm Ð 9:00 pm Wednesday evenings; 9:00 am Ð 3:00 pm Fridays; and 9:00 am Ð 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Historically, Saturday is the busiest day for testing. During the summer, the WebCT Testing Center hours are adjusted to accommodate a four-day week.
The WebCT Testing Center does not offer other services that require certified testers. This was helpful in hiring a proctor. The first semester began with one person, an RPS, handling the center. It soon became apparent that one person was insufficient to handle the volume or the process. The next fall two employees, on RPS funding, managed the WebCT Testing Center. Today, two RPS employees continue to manage the WebCT Testing Center.
Faculty complete an online request at least one week prior to their test. The form requests name, section number, and what students are allowed or not allowed to use while taking a test.
When a student enters the testing room, a picture ID must be provided. The ID is taken, and the student is given a number and a colored card (for instance, a red card states 'No materials'). The colored card makes materials identification easier for the proctor. The student gives the proctor their personal items and goes to the selected computer. The tester's number and colored card are placed on top of the monitor.
Numbered storage cabinets accommodate personal belongings. These storage units are approximately 10 feet from any computer and are located behind the proctor's station, supporting testing security.
From the proctor station, the proctor enters the password for that particular test. This eliminates the possibility of the test-taker observing the password being entered.
Should a proctor observe that a student is cheating, their name, computer number, time, date, and a description of the behavior is noted, and an email sent to the instructor of record. The testing technician does not approach a student about cheating; the instructor handles the situation.
For four previous semesters the WebCT Testing Center used a database that the main Phoenix College Testing Center used for several years. A database created specifically for WebCT Testing is now used. During the fall of 2004, 1,744 tests were taken. As of April 5, 2004, 492 students have taken tests with a total of 755 total tests taken.
If you have more questions about the WebCT Testing Center, please contact Sandra Wells.
Phoenix College WebCT Testing Center
http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/cc/testing.htm
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