MUNCIE, Ind. - University Computing Services announces availability of a computer lab (RB 134D) for faculty wishing to use the online testing facility InQsit and offer flexible testing times to their students.

After a successful pilot year, the Computer Based Testing (CBT) Lab is now open to all faculty. The lab and InQsit give faculty the flexibility of testing more frequently while students can take tests at times of their choice, within parameters defined by instructors.

Test availability dates and times are defined through InQsit. For training on how to use InQsit, contact the Center for Teaching Technology for specific workshops. Interested faculty should become familiar with InQsit before allowing students to take tests in the CBT lab. Classes with large numbers of students are the prime target for this lab but any faculty member can use the service.

The CBT lab helps departments cut down on such expenses as hiring proctors for tests for large classes and printing and duplicating costs of test materials. While the CBT Lab helps faculty administer tests, InQsit helps cut down on the time spent on grading.

Reservation of the CBT lab is on a per station basis. It is intended for students to reserve individual computer stations for a specific period of time to take a test. The CBT reservation is on the Internet and can be accessed through the University Computer Labs Web site www.bsu.edu/ucslabs. Faculty who wish to use on-line testing for their whole class at the same time can contact the UCL office at 5-5241 to reserve another computer lab. The largest computer lab is WB 216 with 35 stations.

Michael O'Hara, assistant professor of theater, was one of the pilot users of the CBT lab.

"I've found that the CBT allows me to quickly and conveniently evaluate the general level and complexity of learning occurring among my 200-plus students," O'Hara said. "I can then make adjustments to my class exercises and lectures to help my students succeed. The CBT has literally changed the way I teach the large class."

Another pilot user, John Barber, professor of history, says "I have concluded that the way I intend to use InQsit and CBT(L) in my advanced course this semester might prove to be the greatest single instructional improvement that I have made in my upper division teaching."

Additional information regarding the CBT lab is available on the Web at www.bsu.edu/ucslabs or by calling Yasemin Tunc at 5-5902.

By Tony Barker, Communications Manager