Computer-based testing now offered

By Colleen Schmidt
FOR THE POST

Instead of staring at a blank piece of paper before taking a test, some students will be staring at a blank screen. Computer-based testing has been introduced at Ohio University's Educational Testing Center, which opened Saturday.

This center, housed in 101A Computer Services Center, is equipped with four computer stations offering nine different tests.

The four main tests offered at the center include the general and writing assessment Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers I (Praxis 1) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

One of these tests, the GMAT, now is available only through computer-based tests nationwide, said Candi Morris, the Educational Testing Center administrator. Students previously could take the tests in written form at OU. But times have expanded.

"This is the only computer-based testing center on campus," she said. "It is a great benefit for students on campus - they don't have to drive to Columbus to take these tests."

The new center will be open year-round, closing only when OU does, Morris said. Hours will vary through the school year. But eight testing sessions will be offered on a weekly basis.

"Most written tests are offered once a month," Morris said. "These tests will be offered daily."

Students who took the computer-based tests at other locations gave the new system mixed reviews.

"It makes test taking a lot less stressful," said Matthieu Moss, an OU graduate student and receptionist at the Educational Testing Center who took the GRE General. "But it makes you give more personal information than a written test."

Advantages of computer-based tests include a flexible schedule, immediate scores for some tests and less noise during test taking, Morris said.

OU seniors Brad Kaster and Mary Payton both said they will drive to Columbus to take a test required for admission in optometry programs. The test is not offered at OU, but Kaster said he would be skeptical of taking the test on a computer anyway.

"I would imagine I'd rather drive to Columbus," said Kaster, who plans to take the admissions test in February. "I'd be willing to do a trial exam on a computer, but I would be leery of taking a test that counts on a computer."

Students can call to schedule a time to take one of the offered tests, or they can walk in during the center's hours of operation. It is open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.