Online Submission of Common Entrance Speaking Tests May 2010 - Schoolshape Report

Submitted by peter on Sat, 2010-07-24 08:06

Following the successful Pilot Scheme of May 2009, many prep schools used the Online Examination Entry system for submission of the MFL CE Speaking Tests in May 2010.


An offline version of the software was provided for use during the examination period.  It enabled files to be recorded onto the computer's hard disc in the event of an interruption to the school's internet connection. This provided a safety net for those schools with unreliable web connections.
 

  • 88 prep schools used the online system to record their CE Speaking Tests.
  • 2,045 examinations were successfully submitted.
  • 12,723 minutes were recorded at CD quality. 
  • 126 senior schools moderated online.  


Feedback

Comments from teacher examiners in prep schools and moderators in senior schools have been very positive.  These are just a few samples:

'Having moderated some of my CE Speaking tests using Schoolshape for the first time, I must admit I found it extremely helpful in terms of time management. I also rate very highly the excellent quality of the recordings and the user-friendly format to access and moderate the audio files. Some other schools sent out tapes and CDs which made the task in hand more tedious and time consuming'.

'The system is a highly efficient way to liaise with the Senior School staff for feedback'.

'All moderation done, and the quality of recording and ease with which the job can be completed are exceptional'.

'I am very grateful to Schoolshape for making the marking of the CE oral much easier; the quality of the recordings is very high, access to the files is clear and user friendly. It is a pity that some schools have not yet joined. There are still some people sending cassettes'.

'I do like the interface of the product - it is so simple and easy to use'. 

'I approve of the online method - it is environment friendly.'

'Conducting the speaking tests was SO much easier this time.  Many thanks for all your hard work in bringing in such a useful system.'

Issues and Recommendations for Teacher Examiners

1. Two schools were unable to submit their exams because their computer network was set to (a) disallow all outgoing data and (b) delete all data on the examiner's hard disc.
Solution:  Check with the school network manager that the required connection to the internet has not been blocked (Full technical information is available at http://www.schoolshape.com/it-staff). Also check that the Schoolshape backup facility is allowed to save data to the examiner's hard disc in the event of an interruption to the internet connection.
2. One school used a faulty microphone.
Solution:  Use the microphone for a practice examination to ensure that it is working consistently.   
3. A few examiners did not adjust the microphone settings on their computers and therefore recorded at low volume.
Solution:  Use the Schoolshape microphone check to ensure that the playback volume is satisfactory.

Conclusion

 The positive feedback and encouraging statistics indicate a successful first year of widespread use of the online method of submission for the CE Speaking Tests.  

Online Language Lab

We recommend schools to consider using the Schoolshape Online Language Lab for teaching and learning.   
Regular usage will help teachers and candidates to become familiar with online recording and help to ensure the smooth running of next year's oral examinations. 
With the online language lab, speaking and listening tasks are as easy to set and monitor as reading and writing exercises.  Students can practise all their language skills not only at school, but securely at home or anywhere with access to the internet.