More than Online Tests, Get Values from Your Assessment Results
To measure learning performance in a flexible approach, many instructors have successfully implemented online tests and exams with e-learning authoring tools. Theoretically instructors would obtain all test items and responses in detail, and generate analysis report of scoring statistics for effective teaching and learning. However, due to the lack of system-based tracking support or tech knowledge, most instructors are muddled by these enormous raw data of test results from participants. That's why such an easy online reporting system is so essential for the online assessment.
Fortunately, there have been some existing solutions for teachers to track and analyze test results, such as statistics capabilities in most Learning Management Systems (LMS), or some specialized assessment management systems, or any built-in reporting services included in the authoring tools. Which is the best solution for you? Now let's review them in details.
Statistics Reporting in LMS System Most Learning Management Systems such as Blackboard (http://www.blackboard.com/) have the scoring capabilities to track and report e-learning activities. However, these learning systems may not have such proficient test results analysis, and be not that really easy to use for novices. If the instructors just need overall statistics, and have already managed the systems, the solution could be considered with further development.
Assessment Management Server As specialized solution, there're some assessment management servers such as Questionmark Perception with Results Management System, which provide professional management works from tracking, scoring to reporting. Don't doubt their capabilities to conduct all test items and scoring reports. Instructors would get the most values as they want with the elaborate servers. Certainly, you have to take enough time and money to get used to the systems.
Free Built-in Reporting System Besides any expensive independent solutions above, some instructor can try those built-in online reporting service within authoring tools, like Quiz Management System (http://www.sameshow.com/quiz-creator/quiz-online-reporting-system.html) for the assessment authoring tool Wondershare QuizCreator. Kind of these hosted systems are free and easy-to-understand, and helps instructors track, analyze and report test results without any hassles, similar to what LMS systems or assessment servers can do on most stages.
Definitely, the instructors with high-end requirements may deploy the assessment servers, while some others will use the built-in reporting for assessment authoring tools. Whatever the choice they make, as online tests have helped access learning in an easy yet smart way, now instructors should have an efficient solution to get most values from the assessment results of online tests.