Online testing in schools

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Through the eyes of the pupil For a pupil taking a test, the process is very straightforward and, for many, much more motivating than a paper test. Concentration levels are often higher too as pupils only see one question at a time on the screen and are therefore not distracted or overwhelmed by the sight of the other questions. 1) 1 Logging into the test Pupils log in via the school’s unique URL (internet address). A pupil then clicks on the Student icon, enters the Register ID (provided by you) and selects their name from a list. They are then asked for a password and schools can choose from the following three password modes: a) Unique individual pupil password, most frequently used with older pupils. b) Shared common pupil password, often used for a class or group of younger pupils. c) No password, popular when younger primary school children are taking a test and the teacher chooses to log each child into a specific test beforehand. 3) 3 Taking the test Pupils see one question at a time and all questions are in full colour. There are a number of ways of answering a question, all of which will have been included in the practice questions. For example, pupils can select from multiple-choice options, manipulate onscreen graphics or drag and drop items. 4) 4 Finishing a test A test will end in one of two ways. A timed test ends automatically whereas, at the end of an untimed test, a pupil is asked to click on a Finish button. Test data will be saved automatically so that results and reports can be generated. To begin a test it’s simply a question of clicking on the ‘Take Now’ button. 2) 2 Practice questions First, pupils are shown sample questions and they can complete these practice questions either at their own pace or as a group under the guidance of their teacher. Pupils can return to the practice section at any time while taking the test. Progress in English Digital Level 7 • Comprehension exercises require pupils to spend at least five minutes reading before questions are displayed. • Pupils use the mouse to give their answers and can change their answer by clicking on another option. Pupils can move backwards and forwards to read the story and questions. Practice item from Progress in Maths 9 Digital. 8
Online testing in action Suffolk Reading Scale Digital Non-Verbal Reasoning 8 & 9 Digital • Pupils can move backwards and forwards using the buttons at the bottom of the screen. Unanswered questions are highlighted. • To answer, pupils simply click on one of the options shown. The onscreen clock helps pupils keep track of the time remaining. Church Vale Primary School uses the digital version of the Suffolk Reading Scale (SRS) with all pupils from Year 2 through to Year 6. Jo Yardley, Deputy Head Teacher, Literacy Leader and Assessment Leader, explains: “The children have taken to the test very well indeed. They used to give us some negative feedback about the previous paper test we used, telling us it was boring and hard, but we have got a much better response with the Suffolk Reading Scale. The children have also managed to complete much more on the screen than they did on the previous paper test, mainly as they just see one question at a time and are happy to just carry on going. “The online version of the test has saved us so much time. Rather than staff spending their time marking papers, we instantly get the information through and can use it to compare child against child, compare the class as a whole and see how they are performing against the national picture. And all of this at the click of a button. “At first, our teachers were slightly wary of conducting the test online, but when they saw it in practice, they were thrilled to bits! The biggest benefit is that instead of spending time marking papers, we can now spend time looking into the results and doing something about it.” Practice item from Suffolk Reading Scale Digital. Single Word Spelling Test Digital 7 • Older students use the keyboard to type their answers while younger pupils use the onscreen alphabet to spell words. • Pupils use the mouse to click on each letter and make it appear in the box. • Tests for younger pupils are given orally and they can ‘Listen Again’ as needed. If they make a mistake or change their mind, pupils can use the eraser to rub out, letter by letter. Listing of SRS Level 2 results with Key Stage 2 indicators. This report also includes Standard Age Scores, National Percentile Ranks, Group Ranks, Raw Scores, Confidence Bands, Current National Curriculum Reading Levels and Reading Ages. 9
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Online testing in schools

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