iTest 1.0 documentation: Test Writer

Introduction

The Test Writer is used as a client programme. It loads the test created by the server and randomly chooses the questions to form a unique test for the student. It can either connect to the server over a network or load the test from a file exported by the server. When the test is over, the results are saved into a file and if the client is connected over network, they are automatically sent to the server. In case of connection breakdown, the backup file can be used - it can be loaded back into the server.

On-line usage

First you will need to get a server running. See the Database Editor documentation for further details. You should also know either the IP address of the server or its network name. For each operating system, there is different way to obtain this information, and it is thus beyond the scope of this documentation.

When the server is running, run the Test Writer on a client computer connected to one network with the server. Type the IP address of the server or its name into the Server name field and by pressing Return (Enter) move to the next field. Type the server port in here and press Return (Enter) again. The client should now connect.

Off-line usage

If there is no network available, you will need to export a test from the server. See the Database Editor documentation for further details. It is recommended to save this test to a flash disk, which you then need to plug into the client computer.

When you have done so, follow one of these steps, depending on your operating system:

• Under Windows, you can open the Explorer window, go to the folder with your exported test and double click the file. Once it is loaded into the Test Writer, you may unplug the media (it is no longer needed) and do the same with the rest of the client computers.
• Under any other operating system (and Windows, if you prefer this way), run the Test Writer, choose "Use an iTest database file", click Browse and manually locate the file on the media, hit Return (Enter) and click Load. Once it is loaded into the Test Writer, you may unplug the media (it is no longer needed) and do the same with the rest of the client computers.

Setting the output file location

The output file contains the answers of the student. It is used in case of connection breakdown or in case there is no network available and the off-line approach is used.

The default location is the home directory of the current user. Under Windows, this is the \Documents and Settings\UserName directory.

If you need to specify another location, uncheck the Use default checkbox and click Browse. You shouldn't choose any directory visible to the student, least of all the desktop or my documents.

Testing

When you have configured the client, it is time to click the Ready button in the lower right corner of the screen.

Now is the time for the students to enter the classroom. They sit down in front of a client computer and are presented with the Welcome screen. They type in their name and click Start.

They may choose to view the remaining time by clicking Show remaining time in the bottom of the screen. Each time they select an answer, the corresponding question turns green in the list of questions. The green colour does not indicate a correct answer - just an answer. Whether they're right or wrong, they will be informed at the end of the test (unless you are using the off-line approach, which does not support this).

When they run out of time, the test is automatically ended. In case they are ready sooner than that, they can choose to finish the exam by clicking Finish. They will be asked to confirm this action.