ExamBuilder
ExamBuilder is used for assessing specific skill level deficiencies in technology training and to identify “knowledge gaps or strengths in student populations” (ExamBuilder.com).
ExamBuilderprovides a snapshot of learner computer skill sets and knowledge base and is a predictor of success in the course.
Learning Objectives connected to the use of ExamBuilder:
· Given a url link to a skills inventory and a knowledge survey, learner will rate computer competency skills and basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, by completing the inventories on or before the last day of the orientation module and emailing report results to instructor. (Application)
· Given a url link to a skills inventory and knowledge survey, learner will retake on or before the last day of the final module comparing and contrasting report results to the precourse results, posting a blog reflection as to learner progress or change in computer skills sets and basic knowledge. (Analysis)
Analysis of Assessment Tool
ExamBuilder is a web-based testing software that allows learners to take exams online. Trainers and educators can easily create and upload exams with a web browser. ExamBuilder is not stand-alone software but instead is hosted on ExamBuilder’s server in Dallas, Texas. Users do not have to worry about security issues such as fire walls or anti-virus programs or patches. In addition, the company maintains that “ExamBuilder keeps all individual member information, including e-mail addresses and the exam results of its customers, completely private”.
Why Tool is Appropriate for the course
I will be using ExamBuilder for the delivery of a precourse computer competency skill test and a knowledge survey. Each learner will be required to take the pretests in the orientation module which will assess learner skill levels and knowledge base. This will help guide my instruction and give me enough time to incorporate changes in activities before the course begins, if necessary. Learners will retake the exams in the last module of the course to provide a summative assessment and guide me in refining activities in the course.
Benefits
ExamBuilder is well suited for use in classroom learning, distance education, continuing education programs, and business and industry. Exams are not created from Test Banks but instead can be created from education or industry-specific content. Students can be grouped to take exams or scheduled individually. It is a popular tool for training and development programs to keep track of exams used for certification training.
ExamBuilder may be customized so that exam questions are delivered in random order and multiple choice answers are scrambled. Further customization after exams include: showing students incorrect answers, rescheduling a make-up exam, and including feedback from the instructor. Because of the web-based nature of this software, images or charts and graphs can be uploaded and used to illustrate exam questions.
The major strength of this software is in its reporting features. Learner scores can be sorted and results can be viewed in graph form. ExamBuilder can also be used as a grade book with scores being exported to Excel or saved as pdf files.
Challenges
One weakness may be seen in the pricing structure. There is a license fee to use ExamBuilder based on the number of students, starting with 25 students and up. Even though there is no charge to create or take exams, according to the ExamBuilder website “Pricing is based on the number of unique students per year who will be taking exams…The term of the license is 1 year”. An additional concern is that the license fee is non-transferable.
Application
I envision this software being used very effectively for training programs especially for keeping track of certified education units (CEU’s) for professional development or Continuing Education programs. It also has great potential for use in online courses to assess learner comfort or skill levels in a variety of academic areas.
Reference: Retrieved from: http://www.exambuilder.com
