|
User Guide: How to Use TestCommander
If you have a test ready, you can set it up in TestCommander (i.e., enter it in the program's database) in less than an hour. It is a matter of typing in your questions and clicking Save. If you have your tests already in electronic format (e.g., in a word processor) then it is a simple operation of copy, paste and save.
TestCommander runs in two modes:
1) User mode - for test taker
2) Admin mode - for test administrator
1) User mode
This is the mode you get to when you start TestCommander. To take a test enter your personal details and press continue. This will take you to a list of tests already in the program. Select one of the tests and press open test. You will get to a page with instructions on how you should complete the test. To start the test click start. This displays the first question with the question number on the top left hand corner and a timer on the top right.
From then on make your choice and click next. If you want to return to the previous question click Previous. Upon reaching the last question, if you want to finish the test, click "End Test". A score report will be displayed for you to print.
2) Admin mode
This is a protected area. You get to this mode by "double clicking" on the title which says "Enter Personal Information..." when you start testCommander. This opens the window "Build your Test". You have to enter a password. The initial password is "1234" (you can change the password using the "change password" button). When you enter the right password the test(s) to be edited (already in the program) will be displayed. Click the one you wish to edit and press "open test". This opens the test for editing. Relevant buttons are provided for performing required tasks.
Alternatively, you can say "Add New Test" and supply the name of the test you would like to create. The name will be added to the list of tests. Select the test and press "Open Test". This will open a window for you to enter a question with four answer choices. The choices of A,B,C,D or T and F (for true false questions) will be provided by the program, you don't need to enter them.
To start entering a question press "Add New". Enter the question in the first box and the choices in the next four boxes. Enter the correct answer in the box which says "Answer". The answers should be A,B,C or D for multiple choice questions or T or F for True false questions. You can enter two letters (e.g., AD) to create a question with two correct answers.
To create a True or False question enter hyphens in the choices boxes and a T or F in the Answer box. All of the entries including the comments box are required. Then press "Save". Continue entering new questions or editing existing questions in the same manner. If you do not desire to enter a choice you can enter a hypen (-) in its place. When you are done press "cancel" to get back to the window with a list of tests (continue to set test time and passing score).
Setting up Time and Passing Score
After you get back to the window with the list of tests, click on "properties" under test. This will display a window where you can set the time and passing score. In testCommander v. 4, to set the time for a test press "Add New". Then enter the name of the test (exact spelling, it is CaSE SenSiTive), allowed time, passing score and total score. Press "Save". Press "Ok" to go back to the list of tests. In testCommander v. 5, since the test name is already entered in the test name field find it by clicking the forward or backward arrows if it is not already visible. When it is visible, press "Edit" and enter enter allowed time, passing score and total score and press "Save". Press "Ok" to go back to te list of tests.
Embedding Exhibits
TestCommander allows you to embed an exhibit with a question (to explain a question). To embed one, while editing the question, click insert image. A window which allows you to browse and select the image (the image can be a bmp, gif or jpg file) will open. Select the image and click OK. A small icon will appear on the top right hand corner indicating that the image has been inserted.
Printing a test
TestCommander also enables you to administer you tests on printed paper. It uses the Crystal Reports engine to allow you to print professional printed tests. To print your test, from the window which displays the list of tests, select the test that you desire to print and click "Print Test". You will be guiede through a series of input boxes where you can enter school name, subject of test, allowed time etc. Once you provide the required inputs your test will be displayed in a professionally formatted manner. You can preview your test and then click on a printer icon displayed at the bottom of the test.
Renaming a test
You can also rename your test if you find it appropriate to do so. From the window which displays the list of tests, select the test you desire to rename and click "Rename Test". You will be prompted with an input box where you can enter the new test name. Enter the new test name and click OK.
Publishing your tests for the web
testCommander enables you to publish your tests for the web. You just need to select the test and press the button "Publish for the web". Your test is ready in the default directory for you to upload to your site.
You can publish three types of tests for the web:
a) Non-secure
b) Secure
c) Review enabled
a) Non-secure
To publish non-secure tests follow these steps:
1. From the list of tests select (click on) the one you would like to publish.
2. Select either the asp (for Windows hosted websites) or php (generally for Linux/Unix hosted websites) radio button.
3. Press the "Publish for Web" button.
4. A window stating the files that have been published is displayed.
5. Get these files from the default directory (C:\Program Files\testCommander\) and upload them to your web site.
6. Give your students the URL (web address) of file tests.html.
7. If you wish to obtain a test grader which provides a score report and forwards a score report to the test administrators email see the details concerning testGrader.
b) Secure
To publish secure tests follow these steps:
1. From the list of tests select (click on) the one you would like to publish.
2. Select asp (for Windows hosted websites) radio button.
3. Select (check) the Secure checkbox
4. Press the "Publish for Web" button.
4. A window stating the files that have been published is displayed.
5. Get these files from the default directory (C:\Program Files\testCommander\) and upload them to your web site.
6. If you wish to make your secure tests functional on your site see the details concerning WSISCommander.
c) Review enabled
This feature enables your students to not only view the correct answers after a test but also review an explanation of the correct answer. While authoring a test, if you have filled the remarks box with an explanation regarding a choice, this will be displayed to the student via the review link.
To publish review enabled web tests, follow the steps in a) or in b) above with the review checkbox selected.
| 
