Testing Center plans to toss out pens, paper

By Spencer Livingston-Gainey,
News Writing Student

OCCC plans to replace pencil-and-paper tests in the Testing Center with electronic versions by 2009.

The practice of taking tests electronically is known as e-testing.

Jim Ellis, Testing and Assessment director, is in charge of the process.

He informed the Faculty Association of the plans Nov. 28.

The transition from the current system to electronic testing would cost somewhere around $300,000, Ellis said.

The costs would include 80 new computers, along with chairs, desks and the rewiring of the Testing Center.

The College is in the process of seeking a grant to secure the funding for the new equipment.

The growing number of students attending OCCC, as well as the efficiency of having the tests on computers, are factors in the decision to implement e-testing.

Students would know how well they scored on a test right after taking it, Ellis said.

Also, the professor would have instant access to the test for their files.

Ellis said he wants the e-testing process to be as easily understood as possible, so people who are not technology-savvy will not feel alienated.

“I am not a technical person, so I need to understand each step as it goes along,” Ellis said.

Students’ reactions to the new testing process were positive, yet there were still some concerns.

“I think it is a good idea as long as they have people to assist students if they need help” said Freshman Cheriecea Medina.

Victoria Murray, a senior at OU who is also enrolled at OCCC, was also interested, but skeptical.

“It’s a good idea because it speeds up the process, but there is always a chance the computers will record things inaccurately,” she said.

Ellis plans to visit universities that already employ e-testing to better understand the aspects that he needs to know about to have it successfully implemented at OCCC.