Test-taker tool configuration

The Test-taker Tools comprise a set of tools designed to aid the Test-taker in various ways when taking Tests. Many of them are accommodation tools which aim to improve accessibility. The test-taker tools for a test can be found in the Properties Panel on the right.

To configure the test-taker tools for a specific test, follow the steps below.

1. Select the test for which the test-taker tools are to be configured from the Test Library on the left, and click on Authoring.

Test-taker tools can be configured either for a whole section of a test, or on a per-item basis. To configure the tools for a whole section, on the Canvas click on the cog wheels to the right of the section in question. To configure the tools for an individual item, click on the cog wheels to the right of the item in question.

In each case, the test-taker tools will appear in the properties panel on the right.

2. Check the boxes next to each of the test-taker tools you wish to activate. The tools available can be divided into the following groups:

Calculators

TAO provides three different calculators: a simple one, a BODMAS, functioning according to the BODMAS rule, and a scientific version, for solving science, engineering and mathematical problems.

 

Note: If you select multiple calculators, only the most complex variety will be used!

Visual Aids

This set of tools can help a test-taker to focus visually on a particular part of the test question in various different ways:

Answer Eliminator: The Answer Eliminator allows the test-taker to eliminate answers in Choice interactions. This is useful if there is a long list of answer choices, and the test-taker has a learning disability.

 

Answer Masking: Answer Masking allows the test-taker to mask and unmask answers in choice interactions

Area Masking: Area Masking allows the test-taker to mask parts of the item with a movable mask.

 

Highlighter: The Highlighter allows the test-taker to highlight parts of the text in an item.

 

Line Reader: The Line Reader allows the test-taker to visually isolate a line of text.

 

Magnifier: The Magnifier provides the test-taker with a movable magnifier tool.

 

Zoom Tool:  The Zoom Tool allows the test-taker to zoom in on an area of an item.

Text-to-Speech

The text-to-speech functionality allows the test-taker to hear the test questions, or parts of them, read aloud. It is configured on the Section and Item levels of a test.

Note: This functionality is only available in the TAO Premium/Ignite Edition (or higher).

To carry out the steps below to activate this functionality for your test: After Creating a Test, configure the Properties for each section or item for which you wish to activate the test-to-speech functionality. Click on the appropriate properties icon (depicted as three interacting cogs) for the relevant section/item. The Section level properties icon can be found on the right of each section. The Item level properties icon can be found on the right of each item.The properties will appear in the Properties Panel on the right.Open the drop-down menu Test-taker Tools and check the Text to Speech box at the bottom.The text-to-speech functionality is now enabled, and will be available to test-takers for the relevant sections or items of your test.

APIP Text-to-speech

The APIP (Accessible Portable Item Protocol) text-to-speech functionality is an alternative to the normal text-to-speech functionality. It works using pre-recorded files for each item in a test. When it is enabled, a Play button will appear on the right of the test item when the test-taker is sitting the test.

Note: The recordings used for this functionality need to be prepared outside of TAO and then imported, as TAO does not support the authoring of packages with APIP content. These can be in any format, but the format needs to be compatible with the browser used.

Scratchpad

If you’re using TAO Advance (rather than the classic 3.x test-runner) to deliver your tests, you have the option of providing the test-taker with a place to make notes, in the form of a Scratchpad.

Using the three main tools available, test-takers can write and draw on the Scratchpad, incorporating any of the shapes and lines provided, in their notes. These tools are:

Text Tool: Used to write plain text. When selected, a text box appears in which the test-taker can write. This is represented by the T icon on the left-hand side.

Brush Tool: Used for drawings. When selected, the test-taker can sketch freehand on the Scratchpad. This is represented by the paintbrush icon on the left-hand side.

Shape Tool: Provides shapes. When selected, the test-taker can use rectangles, ellipses and lines in their notes. This is represented by the square icon on the left-hand side.

Items on the scratchpad can be moved around using the Select Tool (arrow icon), or deleted using the Erase Tool (paint pot icon). The Scratchpad can be re-sized and moved around on the screen as the test-taker pleases.

The Scratchpad is configured on the Item level of a test. Instead of selecting it from the list of test-taker tools as you would the other tools described above, it is activated for the relevant items by adding the text x-tao-option-scratchpad in the Categories box in the Properties panel, as shown in the image below.

 

Configuration is now complete. Any test-takers taking the test will have access to the selected tools, for the sections or items specified.