Improving Learning Processes in Institutions of Higher Education By Incorporating High-Risk Web Technologies

With the assistance of learning technology consultants in the Technology Teaching and Learning Center (TTLC) at the University of Houston-Downtown (Texas), professors have shifted their paradigms and are taking the leap to use more high-risk World Wide Web technologies in their courses. One that has become a hallmark is delivering exams via the Internet. With advanced authoring tools such as Asymetrix ToolBook II Instructor, students can take tests on computer workstations inside computer labs within their university, at distant education sites, or at home. This paper discusses: (1) planning and preparation, including software selection, training, and time management; (2) risks related to question widgets, question scoring, Java class files, exam scoring, and Web browser components; and (3) high-risk precautions, including security issues and back-up plans. Three figures present the Java class location, student log-in, and a scoring/tracking screen. (Author/AEF) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** rC1 Improving Learning Processes in Institutions of Higher Education By Incorporating High-Risk Web Teclmologies U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) O This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. Sophia W. Hinga Learning Technology Consultant, Technology Teaching and Learning Center University of Houston-Downtown, One Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, USA Phone: 713.221.8292 E-mail: hingasAdt.uh.edu Linlin "Irene" Chen Learning Technology Consultant, Technology Teaching and Learning Center University of Houston-Downtown, One Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, USA Phone: 713.221.8280 E-mail: [email protected] Abstract: Just as technology trends improve and we approach the next millenium, so have our abilities to perceive farther and visualize new methods of testing. With the assistance of learning technology consultants in the Technology Teaching and Learning Center (ITLC) at University of Houston-Downtown, professors have shifted their paradigms and are taking the leap to use more high-risk web technologies in their courses. One that has become an instant hallmark is delivering exams via the Internet. Just as technology trends improve and we approach the next millenium, so have our abilities to perceive farther and visualize new methods of testing. With the assistance of learning technology consultants in the Technology Teaching and Learning Center (ITLC) at University of Houston-Downtown, professors have shifted their paradigms and are taking the leap to use more high-risk web technologies in their courses. One that has become an instant hallmark is delivering exams via the Internet.