My staff is curious about online assessment, both its benefits and potential drawbacks. However, we’re not ready to invest in an expensive system without more research, and at this time neither the district nor our state is moving toward Web-based assessments. Are there inexpensive resources we could use now to work through some of the basic logistics such as access to equipment and testing schedules?
You don’t need to make a large initial investment in a testing system, or wait for your district or state level educational agency to take the lead in order to experiment with online testing in a simple format. There are a number of free and low-priced Web-based services designed for use by teachers or individual sites. For example:
- Easy Test Maker — free
- QuizStar — also free
- Quia — $49/year
Interested teachers can conduct a low-key pilot program by developing, administering, and scoring quizzes and tests online. This is a great way for you and your staff to start exploring some of the basic benefits and challenges of online assessment.
Submitted by: Susan Brooks-Young
