It is the time of the year when it begins to dawn on educators across Virginia, and elsewhere, that end of the year testing is rapidly approaching. Granted it is only the beginning of May but these first few weeks seem to propel us forward into June at an alarming rate. We begin to question our methods, our strategies and practically everything we have done from the beginning of the year till now. Therefore this blog entry is dedicated to all of the info I have shared before in my wiki. Testing, testing, testing!
During Testing
During SOL testing we are unable to stream video. Since our testing is online, streaming video could potentially disconnect a student from the testing site. THS shares network resources with other schools in YCSD. This does not mean we have less than other schools, only that our system is configured so that what we do affects each other. Which means that on days that other schools are testing we also cannot stream video.
IT sent out the following information this year.
Network and Internet Use Guidelines during division SOL testing
Even though the labs and laptop carts will be utilized during testing you still have many other resources available to you. Currently we have a classroom set of iPod Touches that are able to connect to the Internet. At this time they have a wealth of resources on them including apps, podcasts and videos. If there is content specific resources you would like to add to them I will be more than happy to. Just let me know. Along those same lines we also have many iPads available for check out. See me if you are interested. Please be cautioned that streaming video is not allowed on these devices either.
A current list of apps is available on my Edline site. We also have FlipCams,Qwizdom systems and webcams for those of you planning end of the year activities. These are available for checkout through the library.
If you are interested in your students receiving more practice prior to SOL time the following might be helpful. Many of you are already familiar with these sites. We also have ePats available for online testing simulation.
Interactive Quizzes by Tami Maloney
Virginia SOL
SOLPass: Limited Resources Some resources require a login.Jeffereson Lab: Science and Math
During Testing
During SOL testing we are unable to stream video. Since our testing is online, streaming video could potentially disconnect a student from the testing site. THS shares network resources with other schools in YCSD. This does not mean we have less than other schools, only that our system is configured so that what we do affects each other. Which means that on days that other schools are testing we also cannot stream video.
IT sent out the following information this year.
Network and Internet Use Guidelines during division SOL testing
- There should be no streaming occurring during the SOL testing window. Using the Internet to listen to radio programs, watch CNN or any other television program, viewing Daily Press video clips, or anything similar in nature that moves, play music, or is animated is typically streaming traffic and is bandwidth intensive. Every school has cable television; teachers may use this to watch programs as appropriate, as this has no impact on the network. This includes streaming Channel 1.
- Acceptable use of the network during the SOL testing window includes accessing applications such as email, Microsoft office, grade quick, card catalog, y: drive, locally installed files, files on a thumb drive or CD, and instructional applications. Uploads and downloads of large files such a Nero image files, photos, and United Streaming videos should be avoided. This includes video conferencing such as Skype.
- For the first time the division will be using the laptops to test wirelessly. Division owned iPods, iPads, and BYOT devices as well as any and all other wireless devices will compete with these laptops for wireless resources. Students and staff should be advised to shut off all wireless connections on these devices and only use applications installed on the device. None of these devices should be used in the vicinity of the wireless testing areas of the building. If staff and students do not know how to turn off the wireless settings on their devices, they should remain powered off during the testing period.
- These guidelines are monitored by IT. If you violate these guidelines, your network privileges may be suspended during testing.
Even though the labs and laptop carts will be utilized during testing you still have many other resources available to you. Currently we have a classroom set of iPod Touches that are able to connect to the Internet. At this time they have a wealth of resources on them including apps, podcasts and videos. If there is content specific resources you would like to add to them I will be more than happy to. Just let me know. Along those same lines we also have many iPads available for check out. See me if you are interested. Please be cautioned that streaming video is not allowed on these devices either.
A current list of apps is available on my Edline site. We also have FlipCams,Qwizdom systems and webcams for those of you planning end of the year activities. These are available for checkout through the library.
If you are interested in your students receiving more practice prior to SOL time the following might be helpful. Many of you are already familiar with these sites. We also have ePats available for online testing simulation.
Interactive Quizzes by Tami Maloney
Virginia SOL
SOLPass: Limited Resources Some resources require a login.Jeffereson Lab: Science and Math
