Are You Ready For On-Line Testing?

[EMT-83]

In another thread, the question was raised about members having Internet access for on-line testing. How prepared is everyone to move into this arena?

Locally, we had several PCs donated by a private school. We've spend the last few weeks getting the machines wiped and software re-loaded. The next step is setting up a testing area, for cadets to complete tests on-line when the time comes.

[Thrashed]

Not us.  No computers. No internet. The breaker pops when we plug something in.  Not likely.

[AirAux]

I was led to believe that most testing would be done at home, mainly eliminating the need to having test nights at the squadron.  Is this true?  I don't feel real good about this, but, what can you do about it?

[EMT-83]

I understand that cadet testing can be completed anywhere, once the system is in place. Perhaps someone here can shed some light on the process.

We have cadets without Internet access at home, plus there will always be those who "forget" assignments. This should also help with GES, NIMS, etc.

[helper]

I assume that cadets (also students) will have Internet access from their schools. I've a school squadron so I'll encourage that approach. We also will  have after meeting test time using laptops if needed (several staff bring laptops for presentations).

I don't recall where, but think that I read something (?) about the phase I&II paper tests continuing for awhile. My understanding is that award level tests and phase III & IV will be unchanged (paper not online).

[flyguy06]

Also there is no rea lcontrol. One of my cadets parents told me that she doesn't allow her son to have a computer. But she has one so guess what? She helps him through the online testing. I have an issue with this. But she is going to do what she wants to.

Plus, a lot of inner city schools do not have computers and if they do there are usually strong restrictions on when and what reason the student has to use them and since most schools have no idea what CAP is this could create a problem in the school allowing the cadets to use the computer unless I (The DCC) make a personal call on the school administration. That takes time out of my personal schedule to do that for each school that I have a cadet at. I work during the day.

[SarDragon]

I'll bet a letter to the schools would take less time, and do just as well in achieving your goal. It would be worth the four or five bucks in postage (SWAG), and provide for more formal action and agreement.

[High Speed Low Drag]

This was talked a lot about on CadetStuff.  The basic thrust is that the individual achievement tests would be online & open book.  However the questions were going to be more "comprehension" based than what is currently in the written tests.  Also, the milestone award tests (which are comprehensive) would still be given as written, closed-book tests, thereby ensuring integrity to the system.

Also, keep in mind, that the tests alone are not enough to allow for promotion.  The cadet has to be an active participant AND the sq commander or Deputy Commander for Cadets (in comp. sqs.) has to approve it.  So the cadet not only has to complete the tests, but must also have demonstrated to the command officers a working knowledge of the material.  As a DCC, I am really looking forward to the online tests for the cadets. 

The cadets that don't have access to a computer would still be able to request a written test.  At our squadron, we have five computer kiosks set up in the large cadet classroom that the cadets who do not have computer access otherwise can use.  It has come in handy when teaching GES because we use the LCD projector on screen, the cadets can mimic at the kiosks as well as take the test when they are done.   Heck, we've even had the senior members come in and do the same thing.

[Thrashed]

When would this move to test online happen?  Anyone heard?

[Eclipse]

When would this move to test online happen?  Anyone heard?

Spring of 2010 is the current target - its been mentioned in several eServices news articles, and you can find it in the KB as well.

[lordmonar]

IIRC it is being BETA tested right now.  Not sure where.

[RADIOMAN015]

We pay around $70.00 a month for cellular data access and also utilize a wireless router so that squadron owned computers as well as member owned laptops can access.  That about 35% of our fixed annual revenue from senior membership dues.

Although we are on a military base, we cannot utilize their WAN/LAN systems due to common access card requirements & certain computer hardware security measures.

Not sure how CAP website & training is going to be setup, but if you add too much flash etc type fancy webpages, it's very difficult/slow to access with a dial up phone access.  I don't see the discount internet access (via phone) advertised anymore on the membership benefit page.  I've seen plans for standard telphone connections for $6.95 month, and accelerated speed for $9.95 a month.

Realstically web based information is the way to go since overall it is less expensive to maintain and revise
RM   

   

[Майор Хаткевич]

"but if you add too much flash etc type fancy webpages, it's very difficult/slow to access with a dial up phone access."

I moved to the US in 2001, and first used the internet right around 8 years ago around Christmas 2001. THAT was dial-up. To be using dial-up today...*shudders*.

[Eclipse]

Block ads, disable flash nonsense (which usually comes with blocking the ads), and don't expect to watch movies on Hulu, otherwise its more than acceptable.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Block ads, disable flash nonsense (which usually comes with blocking the ads), and don't expect to watch movies on Hulu, otherwise its more than acceptable.

This thread would not even be viewable most likely. Between your signature and mine, dial-up would crap out.

Sure you can disable the signatures and run a basic view of anything, but in case the testing does utilize flash...you are screwed.

For my job, I tend to use Paypal for payments, and when I need to print 50 labels, I don't do them one at a time. I use the online java/flash app that Paypal endorses. Try loading that (or paypal itself) with dial-up. Try opening Yahoo.com, or anything else.

This is somewhat like comparing a cell phone from 2000 to a new "smart" phone today. Waaay different leagues.

[Eclipse]

If you choose to run your business via dial-up, may God have mercy on your soul.

We're discussing lowest common denominator cadet access to what should be a very basic test environment.

Now, another issue may be this "Blackboard" "browser lockdown" nonsense (heh - locked browser, that's actually kind of funny).  If
a lock-down plugin is required, that may well preclude the use of public computers by cadets who don't have machines at home.

I don't buy the "not everyone has internet access" argument, because the cadets with no school or library access are so few as to be statiscally zero, however if NHQ will require a machine be changed to run a test, that is a problem.

[a2capt]

The whole "Control" in TCO is not even on the plate with the online testing. They are not even claiming it to be. The tests are intended to be whatever they are, open book, iPod blasting, dog barking, little brother throwing cheerios. Search open on 10 PDFs at once.

Doesn't matter.

The milestone tests will be done at the unit, and they will be harder. The slouching off cadets will have the real world instilled on them then and realize they should have actually studied for those modules.

The TCO will get notices of failure, and after a couple failures they won't be able to take the online one again until they are cleared from the unit to do it.

I presume, they also can't test ahead which probably means promotions will need to be tracked properly and the current system now does have cadet ranks in it, but they are all over the friggen place wrong.

[arajca]

IIRC, there is an option for written testing at the unit if a cadet does not have internet access. However, I don't think a commander (or TCO) can come down and say online testing doesn't count because a written testing option exists (as a back up method).

This is where it be crucial for TCOs and ATOs to designated in Eservices. I know of several units that have not been assigning members in Eservices and according National have a staff of 1. Assigning member will also be needed to access the new ORMS when it rolls out next month.

[Eclipse]

The whole "Control" in TCO is not even on the plate with the online testing...


...The TCO will get notices...

Just as an FYI, the staff position of "Testing Control Officer" was recently eliminated.  You can no longer appoint one.  The reference now is "Testing Officer".