Questionmark/Perception is software which allows for the web delivery on online assessments. These can be diagnostic, summative or formative in nature, and the use of a secure browser and security features within the assessment setup make online examinations a possibility.
Why use QuestionMark/Perception?
Although QuestionMark is a complex tool, it's complexity makes it the gold standard for the construction and delivery of tests at all levels.
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A clear database structure allows banks of questions to be built over time for different assessment purposes
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Questions can be authored in a variety of ways
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A secure testing environment is available
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Tests can be delivered in a variety of ways, e.g. questions or sections randomised, feedback given or withheld etc.
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Feedback can include additional materials or hyperlinks
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Users can be guided to sections of a test depending on answers and results
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A wide number of question formats are available, including the addition of sound, video and interactive media
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A spell checker is included
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A variety of reports, including question difficulty statistics are available
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Individual data can be checked against server logs
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Questions and results are stored securely
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Questions can be imported from other sources, such as publishers.
Question types include
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Multiple choice
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Yes/No
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True/False
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Likert Scale
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Numeric (Math ML)
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Multiple Response
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Essay
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Text Match
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Explanation Screens before a question
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Fill in the blank
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Hot spot
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Matrix
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Pull-down list
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Ranking
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Select a blank
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IT simulations
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Drag and Drop
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Java and Flash objects.... etc
A comprehensive reporting tool enables information on tests and test progression by individual students to be kept. Test scores can be exported as .csv files for entry into other software packages including Excel.
More information on QuestionMark is available from the QuestionMark website|.
You can find other resources our Computing Aided Assessment pages.
For simple formative assessment which does not require complex reports, it is advisable to consider using Blackboard instead of Questionmark. Your FLT will advise you on this and arrange for any help you might require.
Using QM
Formative Tests
QuestionMark is a powerful tool for formative testing as it allows for detailed feedback and for students to progress through tests according to the responses given.
The reporting tool is detailed allowing staff to get clear information on progress, either of individual students or complete cohorts.
Surveys
A secure environment makes the use of QuestionMark for surveys a useful tool. Surveys are recorded anonymously and detailed reports are available.
Please contact your Learning Technologist if you wish to use QuestionMark for formative tests, or for surveys.
Summative tests
QuestionMark is being used for summative assessments and examinations in several areas at Canterbury Christ Church University. When used for summative assessments there are policies and procedures in place, conforming for the most part with policies and procedures for other types of examinations, and which should be followed to assure that the process is robust and properly quality assured. For online short-answer examinations, these policies also conform with British Standard BS788.2002
Before undertaking summative assessments through QuestionMark, please read the policies and procedures| documents before contacting your Learning Technologist.
How QM works
Authors
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Construct questions and question banks
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Construct tests from question banks
Administrators
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Administer test participants
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Schedule participants to take the right test at the right time
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Administer passwords
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Disseminate results to staff or participants
All of these activities can be carried out within programmes/departments.
A full series of guides and help documentation is available from the QuestionMark website|, where there is also the opportunity to join in online seminars and training events.
Authoring Questions
QuestionMark Author Manager
This is software which is loaded onto your PC and which is licensed to you as an individual. There are a limited number of licenses available across the institution. The use of this software enables you to create complex question types which can only be authored directly.
Via Blackboard
Question pools created in Blackboard can be converted into QuestionMark format. Only question formats which are identical in both systems will convert. (Blackboard formula and hot spot questions, for instance, will not convert.) Items using images and simple media files will work.
Via other sources and question banks
Any questions which are saved in the QTI format will load into QuestionMark. These may be taken from publishers' files, other repositories of questions or questions generated by other software in this format.
Via other authoring packages
Some easy and cheap question generating tools, such as Respondus, will create questions in the correct format. Assessments can be loaded directly into QuestionMark. The question types are limited.
Via a web browser
Authors can write multiple choice questions directly to Questionmark via their web browser.
Input from text
Large numbers of multiple choice, true/false and multiple answer questions can be input into QuestionMark by means of simple coding.
Policies and Procedures
These documents outline the procedures necessary to quality assure summative tests taken online. Your Learning Technologist will make sure that you are provided with the support you need to carry out the steps necessary to ensure the smooth delivery of tests.
Summative tests must be organised well in advance of the test dates to allow for the scheduling of support, possible delays in server maintenance, test checking etc.
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PPE36 Arrangements for online assessment using authoring software (Currently in draft format)
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Guidelines for departments for the use of online assessments
Setting up an assessment
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Outline of procedures
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Requesting support for an online assessment
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Checklist to be completed before the assessment
Sample documents including instructions to students, instructions to invigilators, pre-examination "shouts" etc. are available from the LTEU