Image of Monitor and KeyboardNorth Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills

Frequently Asked Questions And Comments...
on the Test Simulation

Q:
 Can students do the Test Simulation immediately before taking the test?
A:
 This is not a recommended option. This may not allow for any adjustments that may be necessary to the local setup to accommodate technical problems prior to taking the test. It also is perceived as lengthening the administration time.

Q:
 Do you have an answer key for the Test Simulation so that when we use the Test Simulation we can have class discussion over the answers (and ensure that our logic is correct)? OR Is there a way to have the answers at the end or at least let the students know if they were correct?
A:
 The purpose of the Test Simulation is to provide a tool that allows students to learn how to use the test interface. If a guide is developed for identification of correct answers, it will be made available on this web site. A practice test may be developed in the future to provide this level of feedback.

C:
 Item selection inappropriate: 1) The entire Test Simulation was too light on word processing and there were too many questions/tasks in database. 2) The test was too heavy on filter use. 3) There was very little typing in the test and that is one of the skills all students need and will use in the future.
R:
 Item selection of the Test Simulation may not mirror the test. Test Simulation items attempt to cover all the types of items that may be on the test.

C:
 Test Simulation Item Reviews: Many comments concerning item quality and file issues continue to be collected.
R:
 The items of the Test Simulation may need edits and these will be addressed as time permits. However, the major focus is to create and maintain the best operational test items that will be used to score the test. For the 2006-07 version of NCDesk there are now former operational items used in the Test Simulation.

Q:
 Why doesn't the Test Simulation test test higher order thinking skills?
A:
 The Test Simulation is not a test. It is only for practicing the mechanics of moving through the test and testing the online delivery method.

This file was modified on Wednesday, August 29, 2007; at 1:36:39 PM