RE: computer use for tests

[Rick Adams]

You were making reasonable accommodations for his special needs, Beth. Not only would your other (non-handicapped) students have no grounds to complain that they were not allowed to use computers, but had you not made some kind of accommodation for him, you would have been in violation of the the law yourself!   A couple suggestions:   1. Instead of using a computer, arrange for an assistant for the test from the developmental ed department of your school. The assistant could write what he or she was instructed to write for the student (for this, of course, you would need a private setting where other students couldn't hear the answers).   2. In using a computer, have the student use yours (or a school owned one--doesn't your institution have computers that can be brought into the classroom?), making it impossible to cheat.   3. If the student's computer is to be used, seat him (as you did) so you can see the screen, have him bring up the program to be used (presumably a Word Processor) and run it full screen ONLY. If the student is seated where you can see the screen but he or she can't see you directly, that student is unlikely to risk bringing up a second program to cheat with--or to open a second document with the answers when you could easily see it appear.   4. Have the test administered to the in the Developmental Ed department by a monitor instead of in your class.   When a computer is in use you need to pay particular attention to whether or not it is connected to a WiFi network. In this case you were probably ok, but it's very easy for a student with a WiFi to have someone outside the classroom look up answers to questions he or she types into the computer (as though he or she was entering them to be answered, of course), and provide the answers. If the computer has a WiFi card in the slot, require its removal and if the computer is a newer one, either check the network settings to determine if a WiFi LAN is present (and if so, disable it during the test) or insist that the student use your computer instead. A WiFi is one of the easiest tools for a cheater to use, so if you are ever in a setting where more that one student must use his or her own computer, be sure your computer has a WiFi search program on it and a WiFi card (programs such as WinC are available for the PocketPC and perform the same task). That way if a WiFi is in use, you'll see it and be able to stop its use.   Hope those help,   Rick   -- Rick Adams Capella University, Graduate School of Technology Grand Canyon University, School of Social Sciences Jackson Community College, Department of social Sciences [EMAIL PROTECTED] "... and the only measure of your worth and your deeds will be the love you leave behind when you're gone." -Fred Small, J.D., "Everything Possible" From: Beth Benoit [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 7:12 AM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences Subject: computer use for tests Any suggestions for how to allow disabled students to take a test on a computer when others in the classroom are using the old-fashioned pen-and-pencil way?  Last semester I had a student who has difficulty writing due to muscle atrophy, but who was able to use a computer.  (He took notes in class using his laptop, as well.)   I brought in a blank disc for him to use, and didn't feel there were any problems, but I was uneasy thinking of the potential for cheating (though I don't think the student in this case did) and the issue of unequal testing conditions (I would have had to allow others to use their laptops if they'd requested to do so).   I also had him sit near me so I had the option of glancing at his computer use, though it seemed awkward and grade-schoolish to do so.   Using the school's computers wasn't an option, because there were computer classes going on.   I considered having him use my computer, but that raises a problem for the second issue stated above, as I only have one laptop.   Any other thoughts for this situation?   Beth Benoit University System of New Hampshire --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]