1.5.4. CQuest Assessment Software

CQuest is actually a suite of four separate software applications.  Each application is geared a little differently depending on the intended testing environment (LAN, Web, Personal (Home) computer, or Paper).  The review below is for "CQLAN".  CQLAN allows computerized test delivery over a LAN.  Alone, the software offers many great features if the user is interested in delivering exams over a LAN.  Taken all together, the software suite covers virtually all possible testing scenarios.

Each test delivery software package consists of three major activities: Authoring (creating tests), Test Delivery (Taking the Test), and Administration (Reports, Options, Controls).

This product is advertised as being able to adminster exams over a LAN. This is true to the extent that a student may access particular files/folders that may be over the LAN. A student will be directed to a particular directory (over a LAN) and given the option to select a particular test. Otherwise there is no "real-time" interaction between the proctor and the students taking the exam. The proctor doesn't really have "ultimate control" while administering the test.

This software has most of the features that the customer needs. It mainly lacks the small and specific details and features that the customer is looking for. Otherwise it has the features that the customer is looking for to successfully manage, create, and administer exams electronically.

Good Features:

Test/Quiz Features:

• Multiple Question Types
• True/False
• Multiple Choice
• Short Answer/Essay
• Informational Display.

• Multi-Media Support with Each Question
• Graphic files (.gif, .jpg)
• Sound (.wav, .mid)
• Movie (.avi, .mov)

• Immediate/Automatic Scoring
• Automatic Recording Features
• Question Responses
• Time/Date Test Taken
• Test Results
• Provide Hints (Practice Test Option)
• Display Correct Answer (Practice Test Option)
• Immediate Test Review - all questions or missed questions may be reviewed showing correct answer, respondent answer, and a percent score at the end.
• Timed Tests
• Randomized Tests
• Student login: Student ID and Password required.
• Instructor manual override of grade/answer

Administrative:

• Author of test question
• Notes and References field with each question
• Student Information Files
• Set Test Options
• Question spell-checking
• Pass/Fail Score
• Display/Do Not Display Score
• Allow/Do Not Allow StudentTest Review
• Allow/Do Not Allow Student to Print Test Review

• Set Practice Test Options
• Set Randomization Options

• Reports (Available Immediately)
• By Student
• By Test
• Question Analysis
• Export Test Data to ASCII delimited or Access 97 (or higher) file
• Password Protected

• Many options pages a little full and cluttered (does not conform to 7 +/- 2 rule)
• Funky colors all over the place

• No apparent blocking of other programs running on a student's computer
• No "real-time" interaction capabilities between proctor and student
• No "grade by question" vs. "grade by student" option
• No "help needed" button for the student

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