Flexibility, Efficiency, Security of State-level Assessments Enhanced with Latest Upgrades to Comprehensive Online Testing Delivery System
Pearson launches TestNav 7 and new content caching server technologies.
Iowa City, IA (PRWEB) September 15, 2009
Today, the Assessment and Information Group of Pearson announced significant new upgrades to its TestNav 7 online test delivery platform and local content caching server technology. These technologies currently deliver millions of secure, high-stakes assessments in K-12 schools every year. More than 4 million such assessments have been delivered on the TestNav platform to date in 2009.
TestNav 7 eliminates the need for software installation at the local level prior to the administration of tests to students. Now, students will be able to use a standard web browser to launch TestNav 7 and take a high-stakes test with ease.
"By delivering TestNav via a browser, schools don't have to worry about software updates or unnecessary software downloads - saving time and money," said Dianne Losh, product manager, online testing, for the Assessment and Information Group of Pearson. "The new centralized system gives individual districts the freedom they need to administer high-stakes assessments anytime from anywhere."
As a companion product, Pearson's content caching server seamlessly integrates with TestNav to help schools simply set up assessments, cache content and monitor usage during online testing sessions. The centralized setup eliminates the need to locally configure TestNav 7. In addition, easy-to-use dashboards and interfaces enable local system administrators to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the caching service.
This combination of technologies has been used since 2001 to deliver secure, high-stakes assessments in grades K-12, and the latest upgrades reduce the workload for schools in the management and delivery of online tests.
"TestNav 7.0 offers a 21st century testing solution that meets the needs of teachers, administrators and all students, including those with disabilities. Pearson's TestNav provides administrators with a variety of test scheduling options, test-taking tools and test-taking accommodations for their students. As with prior versions of TestNav, the new version meets all of the stringent security, performance, scalability and reliability requirements teachers have come to expect from our product. Teachers can administer tests without worrying. And students find the testing interface very engaging, which improves motivation, concentration and performance," said Wayne Ostler, vice president, product development with Pearson's A&I group.
TestNav supports a wide range of testing tools and item types using Adobe Flash® technology. Item types include the traditional multiple choice and open-ended essay or short response items, as well as more innovative items, such as drag-and-drop, hotspot, graphing, charting, math equations and full simulations. By separating the content presentation from the delivery engine, TestNav enables content development teams to have complete control over item presentation, navigation, response controls and overall look-and-feel of the testing experience. Meeting the needs of all students, TestNav also supports adaptive tests and linear test form delivery.
For more information about TestNav, visit http://www. PearsonAssessments. com/TestNav (http://www. PearsonAssessments. com/TestNav).
About Pearson
Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education and education technology, provides innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information about the Clinical Assessment group of Pearson, visit http://www. pearsonassess. com/ (http://www. pearsonassess. com/).
For more information, press only:
Adam Gaber, Pearson, 800-745-8489
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