North Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills
Goals for Test & Applications
- Single Java Application for test interface
- Java Application installed on local workstations
(client computers)
- Small integrated applications – Word
Processor, Database, Spreadsheet, Email composer, etc.
- Quality Internet connection required
- No Window Toggling/Switching during test except
for questions targeting this topic
- Student responses stored on server when moving between
questions
- Easy recovery of test when workstations crash
- Registration and times for testing open year-round/maximized
availability
- Rules for retesting established and enforced within the
system
- Testing starting slots available for 3
periods: Early Morning, Late Morning,
and Afternoon
- Test Simulation Available to schools and the
public
- Applications used in test are available for familiarization
use to schools and the public
- Embedded field test items for future test development
- No “Test Files” to distribute
- Reduce testing time to 90 minutes or less
- Combine current 2-test system into single test
- Eliminate paper handling requirement
- Eliminate stratch paper (result of Fall 2004 Feasibility Study)
- Eliminate hand scoring
- Return validated scores quickly
- Maximize test reliability and validity
- One stretch break required after 60 minutes of testing (result of Fall 2004 Feasibility Study)
- 50% Response Monitored (Constructive) and 50 % Selected
Response (Multiple Choice)
- Constructive and selected response items intermingled
(no single strand sections)
- 72 item test with 4 sections of 18 items each
- Theme based items in series - Items in groups of six
(6) will address a common topic, but span a range of strands/objectives. Some
items will not be theme based.
- Two sample items at the start of the test just prior to question 1, with one constructive response item and one selected response.
- Student survey required for field test and beyond. The
survey will display prior to sample items. Survey questions will be updates
of current questions and try to revise and fix to fit 4-foil format maximum.
This file was modified on Wednesday, August 29, 2007; at 2:48:05 PM