Testing Center Re-Write

Overview
Approval has been given for a major update of the Testing Center’s SCOUT test administration software. This original software, designed and written in 1975, has served the Center well for the past 34 years, but is ready for considerable enhancement. Planned changes include:

• Instructors will be able to change test keys on-line, initiate test re-scores, and download scores in more formats than currently permitted.
• Test scheduling, schedule verification, and set-up of tests will be done on-line using a simple web-based interface.
• Electronic delivery of examinations will become possible so materials do not have to be hand-carried to the Testing Center.
• Multiple correct answers for students. While currently faculty members can have any number of “correct” responses to an item, students can only mark a single response. This restriction will go away.

Under the upgraded system, feedback will be enhanced for faculty and students. This includes tying exams more closely to course learning objectives and reporting student performance on those objectives. In addition, the new SCOUT software will integrate completely with the new University gradebook. Thus, tests administered in the Testing Center will automatically and immediately appear in the gradebook without faculty intervention.

Upgraded features will be phased into SCOUT over the next several months with anticipated completion no later than 1 June 2010.