North Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills

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North CarolinaOnline TestofComputer Skills

• UPDATE SESSION
• PASI
• Summer 2005
• Presenter Scott Ragsdale

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Session Purpose

• This session will update the audience on recent
  developments with the North Carolina Online Test
  of Computer Skills and the North Carolina
  Computer Skills Alternate Assessment as the State
  prepares for operational implementation during
  the 2005-2006 school year

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The Five Ages

• The Age of Anxiety
• The world is coming to an end!
• The Age of Reason
• Why is world is coming to an end?
• The Age of Knowledge
• Facts you should know about the end of the world
• The Age of Wisdom
• Only the world as we know it is coming to an end
• The Age of Enlighten up ?
• Take a breath, smile, and enjoy the fruits of a
  brave new world

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The Age of Anxiety

• Anxiety is the thin stream of fear trickling
  through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a
  channel into which all other thoughts are
  drained.
• Arthur Somers Roche
• It has been said that our anxiety does not empty
  tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of
  its strength.
• Charles Spurgeon

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The End is Near!

• 2005-2006 school year! That is this year!
• This is not feasible! LEAs and schools do not
  have the technological capacity nor the
  technology staff to administer a web-based test!
• Students do not know what they are doing! Taking
  the computer skills test online will only confuse
  and frustrate them!
• Why move to a web-based delivery? Why change
  what we already know works? Are we intentionally
  trying to make our lives painful?
• What about accessibility for ALL students?

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The Age of Reason

• The past is our definition. We may strive, with
  good reason, to escape it, or to escape what is
  bad in it, but we will escape it only by adding
  something better to it.
• Wendell Berry
• Conscience is our magnetic compass reason our
  chart.
• Joseph Cook

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Why Change?

• Two Separate Tests
• Currently two separate tests required for student
  to fulfill computer proficiency requirement
  Student must pass each to demonstrate proficiency
• Multiple-Choice
• Performance
• In reality two tests are really one requirement!

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Why Change?

• Time
• Current administration times
• 1992 curriculum
• Multiple Choice 105 minutes
• Performance 90 minutes
• 1998 curriculum
• Multiple Choice 110 minutes
• Performance 133 minutes
• Note Administration times do not include
  distribution of material, printing and organizing
  of student printouts performance, packaging,
  shipping, and other logistical activities
• Time is precious! There never seems to be enough!

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Why Change?

• Test Files
• Currently supporting 26 different software
  packages for performance test
• Distribution of test files to field
• Question of equity
• And more packages keep coming out each year!

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Why Change?

• Paper
• Printing of test materials
• Test booklets
• Answer documents
• Header sheets and shipping lists
• Excess Ordering
• Printing of student work performance
• Handling of materials
• _at_ 6 deforestation last year of the Amazon rain
  forest!

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Why Change?

• Hand Scoring
• Currently performance test booklets are hand
  scored by a scoring contractor at a central
  location
• Time
• Fall administration approximately 2 months
• Spring administration approximately 1 month
• Costs
• High
• Scorers, staffing, spacing, supplies

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Why Change?

• Hand scoring continued
• Reliability
• Scores are reliable and valid
• Inter-rater reliability is high 93
• Reliability monitoring, qualified scorers
• But
• Potential for human error still exists
• Student work does not always provide evidence
  that student used correct methods to accomplish
  task
• Why dig a hole with your hands when you have
  access to a shovel?

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Why Now?

• New Curriculum
• New curriculum adopted in February 2004
• Implemented starting with 2004-2005 school year
• New curriculum new instrument for measurement
• Technology changing at an astonishing rate
• Traditional paper tests will be archaic before
  long
• Traditional hand scoring is outdated
• If you live in the past, the best you can hope
  for tomorrow is to look back at today!

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Why Not?

• Merge two tests into one
• Reduce the administration, testing, scoring, and
  logistical time required
• Provide a universal delivery to increase equity
  for a standardized test
• Eliminate costs of printing paper and reduce
  paper waste
• Decrease frustration of handling so much paper
• Maximize reliability and validity of scores
• Theoretically return scores more efficiently and
  timely
• Keep pace with the changing face of technology,
  testing, and scoring

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The Age of Knowledge

• If facts are the seeds that later produce
  knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the
  impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in
  which the seeds must grow.
• Rachel Carson
• The first step towards knowledge is to know that
  we are ignorant.
• Richard Cecil

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The Test

• One test
• Combines multiple-choice and performance items
• 72 items total
• 4 sections 18 items per section
• Items not delivered randomly, but also not
  divided into sections by specific
  strands/objectives i.e., database section, etc.
  
• A database performance item may be followed by a
  multimedia multiple-choice item, in turn followed
  by a word processing performance item, etc.

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The Test

• Measures 2004 curriculum
• Approximately 41 objectives tested
• Performance items vs. Multiple-Choice items
• 50 performance based
• 50 multiple-choice based
• Embedded field test items for future test
  development

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The Test

• Web-based delivery
• NCDesk Integrated Java Applications Suite
• Delivery of performance items within testing
  environment
• Includes
• text editor/word processing application
• database application
• spreadsheet application
• e-mail composer application mimic application
• window management application

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The Test Environment

• Secure
• Encrypted
• Save function disabled in Java applications
• Self-contained
• Browser parameters set
• No surfing of Internet within environment
• No cut, copy, paste functionality outside of
  environment
• Data Warehousing
• Student responses stored on server when moving
  between sections and questions
• Allows for recovery of test and data if
  workstations crash or other technical problems
  are encountered

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The Test Environment

• Screen Division
• Frame contains functions and identifying
  information
• Two parallel sub-windows
• Item stem
• Foils multiple-choice or application
  performance
• Separate scroll bars for each

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The Test Environment

• Functions
• Navigation
• Sections do not allow for navigation between and
  amongst them
• Returning to section is not permitted once
  section is completed
• Navigation within sections is permitted
• Navigational buttons PREV (previous), NEXT
• Linear movement backwards or forwards within
  section
• Navigation bar at end of section section
  summary
• Non-linear movement to any item in section

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The Test Environment

• Functions
• Restore
• Clears item of changes and restores to original
  format
• Flag
• Identifies item on navigation bar at section end
  with a red question mark as an indicator that
  student may need to re-visit prior to exiting
  section
• Student can still exit section if items are
  flagged

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The Test Environment

• Functions
• End Section
• Links to section summary page
• Pause
• Pauses the test at the immediate location for
  recovery without exiting test environment

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The Test Environment

• Section number identified on each item page
  i.e., Section 1
• Item number within section identified on each
  item page i.e., Question 2 of 18
• Section summary
• Makes summary statement of how many items in the
  section were answered and/or flagged
• Navigation bar also identifies items answered and
  flagged
• Continue button moves to next section
• Displays warning message that once exiting
  section, return is not permitted
• Reconfirms intent to exit section

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NCDesk

• Center of the Universe
• Test
• Access test at Log in page School code, User
  name, Password
• Test Simulation
• Practice activity to simulate real test
  environment
• Verify Connection
• Runs test to verify if secure connection to test
  server is established
• Documentation
• Links to website for information, updates, etc
• Applications
• Access to all applications integrated in test
  environment for use and familiarization

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NCRegistration

• Administrative - User access rights functions.
  Users are state level administrators, regional
  level administrators, local district test
  coordinators, school test coordinators, test
  administrators, and possibly teachers.
• Bulk Registration - Function to allow bulk file
  uploads of student records to register large
  groups of students to a testing window.
• Single Registration - Function to allow
  registration of single student to a testing
  window.
• Test Session Scheduling - Indicating numbers of
  students at a school per test administration
• Student Information Questions (SIQ) -- additional
  data collection process
• Reports

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Technical

• NCDesk is a locally installed client Java
  application
• Client computers must have Java runtime installed
• Quality Internet connection required for
  accessing test environment
• Internet connection not required for NCDesk
  applications when used for learning and practice
• NCDesk communicates with a central server for
  testing not hosted locally
• Auto-update system check for current NCDesk
  version
• Sufficient RAM recommended
• CPU of good clock speed and recent vintage
  recommended
• Minimum amount of drive space available
• Sufficient amount of bandwidth required during
  testing
• Best Resource for technical recommendations
• http//ncdesk.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/technote.asp

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Technical Notes - Proposed Client Computer
Requirements Special Note Client computer
systems running the minimum 128Mb RAM need to
reduce the number of background applications
running when trying to use NCDesk. Background
applications consume memory resources that can
become critically low when other applications are
running. These types of applications include
hidden applications, system inits (Macintosh) and
system tray applications (Windows). The following
proposed client computer requirements are posted
with the assumption that currently active
background applications are at a minimum.
Supported Platform Minimum Java Runtime Oldest OS Version Minimum Processor Minimum Free Hard Drive Space Minimum RAM
No Microsoft Windows 95 NA NA NA NA NA
Yes Microsoft Windows 98 Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 1.4.2_061 1st Edition Pentium166 MHz 57 Mb 128 Mb
Yes Microsoft Windows Me Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 1.4.2_061 Me Pentium200 MHz 57 Mb 128 Mb
No Microsoft Windows NT NA NA NA NA NA
Yes Microsoft Windows 2000 Pro Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 1.4.2_061 SP3 Pentium233 MHz 57 Mb 256 Mb
Yes Microsoft Windows XP Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE) Verstion 1.4.2_061 SP1 Pentium200 MHz 70 Mb 256 Mb
No Macintosh"Classic" NA NA NA NA NA
Yes MacintoshOS X Java 2 Runtime Environment Version 1.4.1 Update 1 Jaguar OS X 10.2.x PowerPC x 26 Mb 128 Mb
Yes Macintosh OS X Java 2 Runtime Environment Version 1.4.2 Update 2 (based on 1.4.2_05 SDK) 2 Panther OS X 10.3.3 PowerPC x 26 Mb 128 Mb
Yes MacintoshOS X Java 2 Runtime EnvironmentVersion TBA Tiger OS X 10.4 PowerPC x TBA TBA
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Stages of Development

• Feasibility Studies/Trials
• Conduct research into feasibility of delivering
  web-based test environment
• Conduct research into performance of local and
  central technology during delivery
• Conduct research into overall performance of test
  environment and applications
• Conduct research into item performance within
  test environment and applications
• Receive feedback and implement debugging,
  redevelopment, or new development

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Stages of Development

• Field Testing
• Conduct further research into overall performance
  of test environment and applications
• Conduct research into item performance
• Use data and items to construct operational
  form(s)
• Receive feedback and implement debugging or
  redevelopment where needed. Note implementation
  of change can only occur where not affecting
  performance of item

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Stages of Development

• Operational
• Form(s) built using viable items from field
  testing
• Based on item performance, feedback, analysis,
  IRT (Item Response Theory), psychometric review,
  etc.
• Implementation locks forms and items for future
• Standards/Proficiency indicators established
• Delivery as instrument for determining proficiency

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The Past

• Fall 2003
• Feasibility Study/Trial
• Volunteer sites
• Adults only
• 1,926 starts 1,351 finishes
• 62 LEAs represented, 193 schools
• Ongoing debugging and development of technology,
  test environment, and items
• Fall 2004
• Feasibility Study/Trial
• At minimum, 10 locally chosen students per school
  containing eighth-grade students
• 5,620 starts 4,783 finishes
• Ongoing development and debugging of technology,
  test environment, and items

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The Past

• Spring 2005
• Field Test
• Sampled population of schools and students
• Window April 11 June 15
• 8,510 students chosen for sample
• 6,361 starts 6,198 finishes
• Alternate Assessment also field tested
• Window May 9 June 15
• 2000 students chosen for sample
• Ongoing debugging and development of technology,
  test environment, and items

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The Present

• Analysis of field test data
• Item performance, results, feedback from field
• Development and implementation of scoring
  parameters for items
• Analysis of technical issues arising during field
  testing
• Ongoing debugging and development of technology
  and test environment
• Creation of operational form(s) based on analysis
  of field test data
• Development of new items item writing for
  embedding in the future

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The Future

• Operational implementation starting with the
  2005-2006 school year
• Students entering eighth-grade
• Testing Window
• Daily Administration Blocks
• Standard setting
• Determining proficiency
• Ongoing development of items item writing and
  technology
• Ongoing evaluation and monitoring of technical
  and infrastructure issues both at the central and
  local level

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Computer Skills Alternate Assessment

• Why?
• Results of feasibility study and Federal mandates
  required development of an alternate assessment
  instrument for two distinct populations
• Students with special needs who could not access
  the online test using available accommodations
• Students who could not access the online test as
  a result of technical/technology limitations
  i.e., unable to meet minimum requirements for
  bandwidth, memory, etc.

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Computer Skills Alternate Assessment

• Field tested Spring 2005
• Different delivery from online test, but equal
  rigor of standard item difficulty level,
  thinking skills, etc.
• One test consisting of two distinct sections

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Computer Skills Alternate Assessment

• Multiple-Choice Section
• 36 items
• Traditional
• Performance Section
• 27 total items
• 26 performance-based, administrator rated yes or
  no items
• 1 administrator rated yes or no item evaluating
  student proficiency with computer over course of
  time
• Computer-based
• Individualized administration
• Use supplied files and local applications i.e.,
  word processing, database, etc. to complete
  tasks required by items
• Files provided in text format for conversion into
  local applications PDFs provided to serve as
  blueprints

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Computer Skills Alternate Assessment

• Item performance, results, and feedback being
  analyzed at this time
• Possibility probability of being field tested
  again in the Fall 2005
• Some issues with local administrators and
  technology staff having to convert text files
  into local applications
• Probability that necessary test files will be
  provided for State supported platforms/packages
  in future administrations

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Accessibility Issues

• Definite accessibility issues with online
  testing!
• Standard accommodations are still available
• Choice of large or regular font size for NCDesk
• Keyboard and mouse actions functional
• Currently developing the ability to integrate and
  support assistive technology i.e., screen
  readers
• Exploring multiple options for accessibility
  zoom functions, etc.
• Implementation of additional assistive technology
  likely an extended process

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Support

• Helpdesk
• Activated for feasibility studies/trials, field
  testing, and will be available for operational
  administration
• Assistance provided prior to, during, and after
  testing
• Addresses NCRegistration, NCDesk, Computer Skills
  Alternate Assessment, and any other issues
  involved in delivery and implementation of online
  test
• http//cskills.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/helpdesk.asp
• Mobile Labs
• Available for schools/systems unable to test
  because of technical limitations
• By request only actual process for requests
  still in development
• Availability issues and division of time

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The Age of Wisdom

• It is no longer enough to be smart all the
  technological tools in the world add meaning and
  value only if they enhance our core values, the
  deepest part of our heart. Acquiring knowledge is
  no guarantee of practical, useful application.
  Wisdom implies a mature integration of
  appropriate knowledge, a seasoned ability to
  filter the inessential from the essential.
• Doc Childre and Deborah Rozman
• Learn wisdom from the ways of a seedling. A
  seedling which is never hardened off through
  stressful situations will never become a strong
  productive plant.
• Stephen Sigmund

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The Meaning?

• Online testing is the future
• Most states are in the process of either
  implementing or maintaining an online testing
  program
• North Carolina is moving forward with online
  testingthis is only the beginning
• Students are far more positive about online
  testing than administrators/teachers/staff
• Trends suggest students more comfortable and
  engaged with online testingoverwhelming support
  from them
• Technology concerns are warranted, but
• Implementation of technology will become seamless
  over time as traditional options for testing are
  exhausted
• Systems/schools have been successful in
  implementing this test

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Basic Necessities for Success

• Dissemination and sharing of information
• Local, State, National, International
• Use resources available and act as a resource
• Communication
• Question
• Online testing is a new world so do not be afraid
  to question things or offer your opinion
• Support
• There will be some growing pains, but never waver
  in your support
• Support at all levels, between all divisions and
  peoples is absolutely required
• Learn
• Do not be complacent in your knowledge, always
  seek more
• Familiarity Understanding Less frustration,
  stress, and anxiety for all

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The Age of Enlighten up

• This I conceive to be the chemical function of
  humor to change the character of our thought.
• Lin Yutang
• Humor is perhaps a sense of intellectual
  perspective an awareness that some things are
  really important, others not and that the two
  kinds are most oddly jumbled in everyday affairs.
  
• Christopher Morley

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A Brighter Future

• Yes, anxiety is expected, normal, and okay
• Yes, change can be painful
• Yes, this is a serious matter not to be taken
  lightly
• But
• Never lose perspective on what is important
• Think about why we are really doing this and who
  it ultimately benefits
• Understand that we are all in this together, for
  better or worse, so let us all be friends, not
  enemies
• And lastly
• Smile and be confident in knowing that, though
  pioneers, we are moving in the right direction

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Websites

• http//cskills.ncsu.edu/nccs
• Link to home page of the North Carolina Online
  Test of Computer Skills
• http//ncdesk.ncsu.edu/ncdesk
• Direct link to the home page for the NCDesk
  application suite
• http//www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computer
  skills
• Link to Computer/Technology Skills Standard
  Course of Study on the North Carolina Department
  of Public Instruction website
• http//community.learnnc.org/dpi/tech
• Link to Computer/Technology Skills page for
  Curriculum and School Reform on the North
  Carolina Department of Public Instruction website
• http//www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/test
  ing/computerskills
• Link to computer skills testing information on
  the North Carolina Department of Public
  Instruction website
• http//tps.dpi.state.nc.us/
• Link to Technology Implementation Planning
  Services page on the North Carolina Department of
  Public Instruction website
• http//www.ncpublicschools.org/techservices
• Link to Technology Services page on the North
  Carolina Department of Public Instruction website

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Contact Information

• Scott Ragsdale
• Project Manager, North Carolina Computer Skills
  Assessments
• scott_ragsdale_at_ncsu.edu
• Randy Craven
• Technical Manager
• randy_craven_at_ncsu.edu
• Jim Kroening
• Program Manager, Performance Assessments
• jkroening_at_dpi.state.nc.us

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Final Thought

• The important thing in life is not where we are,
  but in which direction we are moving.
• Oliver Wendell Holmes