ParSYSTEM Testing in the Lab: Integrated Testing Automation at
the College of DuPage

by
Irene Kovala, Associate Dean of Testing and Open Campus Student
Services, College of DuPage

          This article describes on-line testing and grading
     at the College of DuPage. More than 30 courses, with a
     goal of 60 courses by the end of 1994-95, use ParTEST
     On-Line in the largest Novell Network installation of
     its kind in the nation. This testing network (a main
     campus in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and five remote sites)
     allows the College of DuPage to "reach" students in a
     new way.
     
     
The age of test computerization and paperless grading is alive
and flourishing at the College of DuPage where the use of the
ParSYSTEM software provides student-to-faculty testing
information.

Now entering its fourth full year of operation, the Testing
Office at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois uses
ParTEST On-line as an integral part of the daily testing
function. At last count, 32 courses will be "up and running" for
Fall 1994 with a goal for the 1994-95 year of 60 courses fully
functioning.

These courses represent nearly 90 instructors who have
collaborated on the process. Faculty members have benefitted by
using the extensive item analysis and course summarization
features produced by ParTEST On-line. With the determination of
which questions are highly effective or in need of revision,
teachers have collaborated and revised test items because of the
responses they have received. Many instructors have taken
advantage of the ParSYSTEM by routinely using the gradebook 

(ParGRADE) module to maintain their course grades and to analyze
the results. Teamed up with ParTEST On-line, these instructors
can share test questions, improve their tests, and efficiently
alternate tests on a more frequent basis. The graphics package in
parTEST has enhanced the clarity in test items for disciplines
like biology. In addition, new courses (and their testing
component) developed through the College's Instructional Design
office and flexible learning/telelearning programs all use
ParTEST On-line for delivery in the Testing Lab.

The College of DuPage, with 36,000 students, operates five remote
sites in the County of DuPage where many students enroll each
quarter. Plans are now imminent to "connect" each of the remote
sites to the main campus in Glen Ellyn to provide the delivery of
ParSYSTEM along with other testing capabilities. The plan for
this project calls for its completion by the end of fall quarter
1994.

The College of DuPage Testing Lab's uses ParTEST On-line in the
largest Novell Network installation of its kind in the nation. To
connect the remote sites, Netware Connect will be the interface.
The network accomplishes several things: centralization of the
testing process, ready availability of scores, and simplified
test administration. The Testing Lab is currently open 62 hours
per week and operates 18 accessible PCs for student use. Due to
construction on campus, the Testing Lab will move to a larger
location by the summer of 1995. When the move occurs, 50 PC
stations will be available to students. At each of the remote
sites, at least two PCs are designated for ParTEST On-line use.

The ParSYSTEM software has allowed the College of DuPage to
"reach" its students in a more effective way. Students are more
computer literate. Many adult students at the College already
experience a computer environment in their workplace. Through our
expansion efforts, we hope to serve the testing needs of our
students in the future.

For additional information: Irene Kovala - 708/858-2800