PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS AND KRYTERION ANNOUNCE SUCCESSFUL PILOT OF REVOLUTIONARY ONLINE SECURED TESTING TECHNOLOGY
KRYTERION Webassessor Sentinel Security Shield(TM) used in conjunction with Online KRYTERION Certified Proctors make online secured testing a reality for Distance Education.
Orlando, FL - November 6, 2008 - Sloan-C International Conference on Online Learning – The Pennsylvania State University's World Campus and KRYTERION, Inc., announced today the results of a successful pilot in which students completed proctored exams online using state-of-the-art technology to ensure security and student identity. This was made possible through the latest version of Webassessor(TM) Online Secured Testing(TM) technology which securely delivers high-stakes tests without the need for an in-room proctor present.
Previously the World Campus asked students to "find their own proctor" who was then vetted by the Adult Learner Enrollment Services (ALES). This was a time consuming process that made testing inconvenient for students and costly in terms of time for Penn State and the student. "The print-based proctored exam process could take three – four weeks to move paper through the postal service between proctors, ALES, and the instructors." Commented Rick Shearer, Interim Director of World Campus Learning Design. "The lengthened process decreased the effectiveness of the assessment as a learning tool as feedback was very slow in reaching the students. With KRYTERION and Webassessor feedback can be instantaneous, thus providing a better learning experience for the students."
The first phase of the pilot utilized Distance Education students in two courses (Horticulture 101 and Physics 101). Over the summer semester, each student took three exams using a webcam, KRYTERION Webassessor and KRYTERION's Online Certified Proctors.
The New Webassessor Solution
Webassessor uses patent-pending technology to not only monitor the testing session for aberrant behaviors like cell phone usage or unusual testing patterns but it authenticates that the student taking the test is the same person registered for the class. This allows distance education programs to test securely and also comply with the authentication requirements recently passed into law in the Higher Education Act.
The testing technology puts distance education programs in control of their testing program and provides unparalleled test delivery options. Through one highly secure and easy-to-use interface, Webassessor allows Distance Education programs to:
- Test their students securely via the Internet anytime, anywhere
- Verify the identity of their students with an easy to use typing algorithm (Keystroke Analytics(TM))
- Manage their exams, run custom reports and give student feedback quickly
"This is not just an evolutionary advancement in how we test," commented David Foster Ph.D., CEO and Chief Scientist for KRYTERION. "This is a revolutionary proof of concept. Other industries like banking, telecommunications and entertainment have all enjoyed the dramatic benefits brought on by the application of technologies to their businesses. Penn State's World Campus, through the use of Webassessor, is now able to offer their students a completely online experience including proctored exams."
For additional information on Webassessor and the Penn State Pilot please visit: www.kryteriononline.com/de_dl.htm
About KRYTERION
KRYTERION is the leading provider of online secured testing solutions for academic institutions, IT certification programs, professional and trade associations. KRYTERION is a privately held corporation with offices throughout North America and abroad. With years of combined experience in computer-based testing and related services from its founders, KRYTERION provides unequaled online secured testing technologies via its acclaimed Webassessor(TM).
About The Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus
Since 1892, when it founded one of the nation's first correspondence study programs, The Pennsylvania State University has been a pioneer in distance education. With the launch of the World Campus in 1998, the 25th campus of Penn State, the University reaffirmed its commitment to providing educational access to learners around the world.
The World Campus uses multiple technologies to make some of Penn State's most highly regarded graduate, undergraduate, and continuing professional education programs available anytime, anywhere. Today, the World Campus offers more than 50 degree and certificate programs through distance and online education.
The Pennsylvania State University's World Campus and KRYTERION, Inc. have co-written a white paper, which will be submitted to academic journals in the near future.
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Press Contact
For more information about the KRYTERION pilot at Penn State’s World Campus please contact:
Quinn Sutton
KRYTERION
Online Secured Testing
602.659.4713
pr@kryteriononline.com
Rick Shearer
Interim Director World Campus Learning Design
814.865.0642
rxs57@psu.edu