September 04, 2008

When the Honeymoon is Over

Our district is in its 6th or 7th year of doing state testing online. We also utilize the MAPs tests from NWEA in the fall. Our students seem to perform pretty well when completing a test online. Over the past years, I have attributed it to the "honeymoon phase" where the idea of testing using a computer was so new and appealing to students, they performed better. However, going on about 7 years now, I am wondering when the honeymoon will be over. What new device will we have to use to attract students to perform soon...an XBOX 360? Cell phone? How about a Dance Dance Revolution mat?

Quia
http://www.quia.com/ is a website that allows teachers to create or search for activities in game format or tests. It is a subscription site, but many of the games can be accessed for free. If you purchase a subscription, your students' subscription is free. You can create customized tests for students to take online, create or use games that others have created, and build a web page to share your links with your class.

ProProfs
http://www.proprofs.com/ is a website of free tools and knowledge exchange. Tools include a quiz maker, flashcard generator, and blog hosting. The knowledge resources include online training in CISCO, Microsoft Certification, SAT testing practice, to name a few. Tools can be integrated into your website, facebook, and other social sites. Worth a look!

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