Equitable Test Experiences During COVID19 Margaret Camp Clemson

Equitable Test Experiences During COVID-19 Margaret Camp, Clemson University Carsen Kipley, University of Arizona Maria Ortega, Texas A&M University

Objectives ● Identify ways to support instructors ● Identify ways to deliver an accessible online testing experience ● Identify assistive technology ● Give participants an opportunity to ask questions

Opportunities to Promote Access ● Traditional exams may not accurately measure learning ● Accessibility issues with technology and proctoring services ● Concerns from faculty (academic integrity) ● Continuing DRC operations such as test proctoring

Supporting Instructors Recognize challenges faced by instructors: ○ Unfamiliar with testing software ○ Accessing work remotely ○ Concerns with academic integrity ○ Balancing work/home life

Supporting Instructors ● Information sent to instructors should be clear and easy to follow ● Be informed about resources available to instructors ○ IT (how to increase testing time for online tests) ○ Instructional designers ● Share ways to promote an equitable testing experience ● Recognize that instructors are the experts in their course

Addressing Barriers • Reconsider individual accommodations and make adjustments ◦ Engage the student in taking an active role ◦ clarify the request ◦ Ensure students feel heard ◦ Enlist instructor to help identify solutions ◦ Provide resources available to students

Addressing Barriers ● Become familiar with changes to institutional policies ● Foster collaborative relationships ○ Academic Advising ○ Success Center (tutoring, study skills, etc. ) ○ Join discussions on instructional design ● Report up on how online learning is impacting students with disabilities.

Addressing Barriers ● Discuss ways to adjust the design or way to assess students ○ Low stakes quizzes ○ Take home exams available over multiple days ○ Assigning essay or paper

Addressing Barriers ● Testing in a reduced distraction environment ○ Noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, music ○ Browser lockdown ○ Fidget toys ○ Work area ○ Communication with family and roommates

Testing Accommodations ● Test Readers ○ Explore text-to-speech software: Read & Write, Balabolka, built-in software ○ Provide pre-recordings by the instructor, TA, or DRC ○ Phone call to student ○ Use a screen reader: JAWS ● Scribes ○ Use speech recognition software such as Microsoft Dictate or Dragon

Test Proctoring ● Lockdown Browsers ○ Respondus ■ Not compatible with Read & Write (complicated work around) ■ NVDA or Read. Speak are compatible

Test Proctoring ○ Honor. Lock ■ Authentication issues for users with screen readers ○ Exam. Soft ■ Not compatible with Assistive Technology ■ Compatible with Dragon once you turn off Secure mode

Test Proctoring ● Respondus Monitor ○ Authentication issues for users with screen readers ● Examity ○ Accessibility issues with authentication for blind/low vision users ○ Cost for students ● Proctor. U ○ Cost for students ● All proctoring services require strong bandwidth and speed

Test Proctoring ● Live proctoring through a video conference call (Zoom, Web. Ex, etc. ) ○ Schedule proctors (DRC staff, TAs, graduate assistants, student workers) ○ Allow for multiple authentication options ○ Use breakout rooms ○ Follow instructor guidelines (use of 2 devices, authenticated users) ○ Use private chat ○ Allow for assistive technology ○ Ability to share screen and record

Resources Inside Higher Ed article: https: //www. insidehighered. com/blogs/learning-innovation/5 -reason-stop-doing-timed-online-exams-during-covid- 19? utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=ec 4240 cd 71 -DNU_2019_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1 fcbc 04421 -ec 4240 cd 71198397937&mc_cid=ec 4240 cd 71&mc_eid=be 92116912 University of Arizona DRC COVID-19 Information: Clemson University Student Accessibility Services: Texas A&M Keep Teaching: Texas A&M Keep Learning: Live Zoom Proctoring: https: //drc. arizona. edu/workplace/drc-covid-19 -information https: //www. clemson. edu/academics/studentaccess/ https: //provost. tamu. edu/keep-teaching#exams https: //provost. tamu. edu/keep-learning https: //drive. google. com/file/d/1 J 1 tq. TZGHjx. C 0 EDvdz. FBz. JWBw 5 mn. Tp 22 p/view? usp=sharing