Developing C-Tests Using Respondus

Effective Spring 2008, C-Tests will now be delivered within Blackboard. Like Question Mark, students will still type their C-Tests using a secure computer based testing browser interface. However, unlike Question Mark, the Respondus Authoring tool enables the secure browser interface to be part of Blackboard.

Due to the connection to Blackboard, and ease of use, the English department elected to implement the Respondus Authoring Tool for C-Test delivery instead of Question Mark.

Below is a step by step process you can follow to convert the delivery of your computer based C-Tests from Question Mark to Respondus:

1. Log in to your Blackboard English course

2. If you haven’t done so already, create an Exams button in your Blackboard content area. This will be the content area where your students will type their C-Test essay exams. For more information on how to create a button in a Blackboard course content area go to: http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/respondus/BbContentArea.html

3. Go to Test Manager within Blackboard, select Add Test and create an exam with C-Test title you want: (i.e. English 1301 Composition I Exam, etc.)  

4. In the INSTRUCTIONS section of the Test Information Screen, copy and paste the following text as developed by the English department:
   
   REVIEW THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY:
   Read the hard copy instructions that you were given by the testing center.
   Study the selection you were given. Proceed with the writing of your essay.
   
   Review your work and when you are satisfied, click the SUBMIT button to submit your essay.
   
   NOTE: BLACKBOARD WILL TIME OUT IF THERE HAS BEEN NO ACTIVITY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME

   Click the SAVE (but not the SUBMIT!) button at the bottom of your Blackboard Test page every 15-20 minutes.
   
   
   
5. Select Essay from the Add pull down menu on the Test Canvas screen and click GO
   
   
6. In the Question Text box copy and paste the following instructions:
   
   Type your response in the space provided below.
   
   
7. Click Submit, Click OK and exit Bb.
   
   
8. Obtain the Respondus s/w by reviewing the information in the getting started section of the web site. http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/respondus/processProcedure.html .
   Be sure to complete the online form to request a copy of the Respondus software at: http://irttech.austincc.edu/forms/respondusform.asp
   
   
9. Follow the steps for installing the Respondus s/w. http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/respondus/install.html
   
   
10. Follow the steps for connecting Respondus to Bb. http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/respondus/configureBbUpload.html
    
    
11. Follow the steps for updating the settings of an existing Bb test: http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/respondus/create.html#repurpose (select the C-Test title you created in Bb)
    
    
12. Log into Bb and make the exam available/visible immediately or set the available date range for the C-Test exam. (Note: you can make these settings in either Respondus or Blackboard).
    
    
13. Inform the Testing Center and your students that your C-Test exam will be delivered via Blackboard NOT Question Mark. An online transmittal form is available which will notify the Testing Centers of your intention to offer a secure, computer based exam. Review the information at: http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/respondus/schedule.html
    

To register for a Respondus workshop entitled Blackboard Advanced Testing Options for PCM Courses, go to: https://www3.austincc.edu/it/workshops/www/login.php . There are workshops specifically for English faculty as well as for all distance learning instructors.

Learn more on how to develop and deliver C-Tests using the Respondus Authoring Tool.

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