Equitable Test Experiences During COVID-19 Challenges and Solutions

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 ReadSpeak are compatible

Test Proctoring HonorLock Authentication issues for users with screen readers ExamSoft 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 ProctorU Cost for students All proctoring services require strong bandwidth and speed

Test Proctoring Live proctoring through a video conference call (Zoom, WebEx, 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=ec4240cd71-DNU_2019_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-ec4240cd71- 198397937&mc_cid=ec4240cd71&mc_eid=be92116912 University of Arizona DRC COVID-19 Information: https://drc.arizona.edu/workplace/drc-covid-19-information Clemson University Student Accessibility Services: https://www.clemson.edu/academics/studentaccess/ Texas A&M Keep Teaching: https://provost.tamu.edu/keep-teaching#exams Texas A&M Keep Learning: https://provost.tamu.edu/keep-learning Live Zoom Proctoring: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J1tqTZGHjxC0EDvdzFBzJWBw5mnTp22p/view?usp=sharing