Assessments in your HuskyCT course can measure how well students are responding to course materials and lectures.
Instructors can use assessments to gather input, feedback, and ensure students are actively learning through the use of in-course content items and tools.
ASSESSMENTS
UConn provides technology options for administering summative and formative assessments to evaluate student learning.
Tests
Tests
The Test tool in HuskyCT is a graded assessment which allows instructors to create and administer exams or quizzes. Instructors can add a variety of questions, set time limits, and integrate assessment security tools.
- Question Flexibility: Allows instructors to create a variety of questions from long essay, fill in the blank, multiple choice, and unique question types such as hot spot.
- Tool Compatible: Assessment security such as Respondus Lockdown Browser can be integrated for fair assessment and academic integrity.
Test Example:
More Information About Tests
Assignments
Assignments
The Assignment tool in HuskyCT is a graded assessment which provides a submission space for students to either input text, attach assignment files (i.e. Word documents, or PowerPoints), or embed Kaltura media.
- Supports Diverse Submissions: Allows students the ability to submit text, files, or content such as embedded Kaltura or media recordings.
- Streamlines Grading: Allows for instructors to view, annotate, and grade student submissions via rubric or manual grading all in one place.
- Improves Accessibility: Instructions and materials can be submitted and reviewed in on place, making it easier to track student progress and offer feedback.
Instructors can provide the ability for students to submit work online by creating an Assignment. An Assignment can be added to a Content Area or Content Folder or to a Learning Module.
Instructors set the dates when the Assignment link will be active, a Due Date, the number of attempts allowed, and the points possible. Students click on the Assignment link to access the screen where they have the option to browse for and submit a file.
Surveys
Surveys
Surveys can use the same question types as Tests but surveys are not scored and the student providing a particular set of answers is not identified. The instructor will know, however, which students completed the survey.
Survey results can be downloaded into a spreadsheet and statistics are available which provide information on how many students answering a question chose a particular response.
Surveys can be used by instructors to gather student input and feedback which can be done graded or ungraded with the option of anonymity.
- Promotes Engagement: Helps students feel heard and involved in shaping the learning experience for future and current classes.
- Encourages Student Voice: Gives students a space to share thoughts, questions, or concerns in an accessible course item with the comfort of anonymity.
- Enhances Instructional Decisions: Real-time feedback helps instructors adapt teaching strategies and address student needs promptly.
Please note: while the survey results are considered anonymous, in the case of only 1 respondent, the individual’s identity would be known. Depending on the information being gathered and how that information is going to be used, instructors may need to utilize a tool outside of HuskyCT. UConn has the web-based software, “Qualtrics”, available for creating and administering surveys. Please visit the OIRE (Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness) website to get more information and access the Qualtrics tool.
ASSESSMENT SECURITY
Respondus Lockdown Browser
Respondus Lockdown Browser
When administering an exam or quiz in HuskyCT, Lockdown Browser (LDB) can provide a level of assessment security by locking down a student's computer into LockDown Browser. It prevents students from printing or copying the exam, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during the test.
LockDown Browser is compatible with Macs, Windows PCs, and Chromebooks. Students can also use LockDown Browser with iPads, but instructors must select the special iPad Advanced Setting on the LDB set
Instructors do not need to download the LockDown Browser application in order to require students to use it. Only students need to download LockDown Browser. If an instructor wants to experience a LockDown test themselves, they can download the application from the "Useful Links for Students" area on the HuskyCT Institution Page and try a test out using Student Preview mode. However, that is the only reason an instructor would need the application.
| LockDown Browser + Monitor Webcam Recording | LockDown Browser + Monitor Screen Recording | LockDown Browser + 2nd Camera |
| Monitor is an additional feature that uses a student's webcam to record them taking an online, non-proctored exam. When this feature is enabled for a test, students are required to use a webcam and microphone with LockDown Browser. After the exam is complete, an instructor can review details of the assessment, including the recordings of their students taking exams. | Screen recording is an additional setting to the automated proctoring solution that works with LockDown Browser to record students during online exams. After the exam is complete, an instructor can review details of the assessment, including recorded videos of the student's screen. This can be used in conjunction with monitor webcam recording or without webcam recording. |
Some instructors require the use of two cameras for exams using Respondus Monitor: the primary webcam plus a camera from a mobile device (phone, tablet). The second device must be able to scan a QR code. |
SafeAssign
SafeAssign
When using the Assignment feature in HuskyCT, SafeAssign compares submitted assignments against a set of academic papers to identify areas of overlap between the submitted assignment and existing works. SafeAssign originality reports provide detailed information about the matches found between a student’s submitted paper and existing sources. An originality report indicates the total percent match between the student’s submission and the sources checked during the review process. Each instance of matching text will be highlighted and the source indicated. The SafeAssign function is now a setting in “regular” assignments.
OTHER ASSESSMENT PLATFORMS
Gradescope
Gradescope
Gradescope is a digital tool designed for educators and students to streamline the submission and grading of assessments. It allows students to submit their work, while educators can mark it and provide feedback, all accessible from various devices. Instructors can also scan paper assessments to allow for digital annotation and grading.
iClicker
iClicker
The use of Classroom Response Systems or “clickers” is a proven way to engage students and let instructors know what students are thinking. Instructors use iClickers for polls, assignments, and quizzes. The students purchase the software and it can be used in multiple classes throughout their time at UConn. The bookstore sells a bundle containing a physical iClicker plus 5-years of iClicker Cloud REEF polling. To eliminate or reduce the cost of an iClicker, students can share iClickers or purchase a used device.
Blackboard Collaborate polling
Blackboard Collaborate polling
When using Collaborate for conducting synchronous class sessions, instructions can poll participants with Collaborate’s polling feature. The polling feature allows for multiple choice and yes/no questions.
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere is a web-based audience response system that lets you embed interactive activities directly into your presentation. The audience responds on the web or via SMS texting on their phones. There is no cost to the student. The software is free to instructors for up to 40 responses per polling session. For larger groups, the cost of the software is paid for by the instructor or their department. NOTE: EdTech does not support Poll Everywhere and the University does not have an agreement with Poll Everywhere. Any product that collects FERPA-protected data must have an agreement with the University. Anonymous polling with Poll Everywhere does not collect FERPA-protected data but polls that are not anonymous and are used for grades would include FERPA-protected data.
Please refer to Procurement’s process for purchasing software: https://ubs.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2818/2021/01/Software-and-Cloud-Services-Acquisition-and-Renewals-Process.pdf
Respondus 4.0
Respondus 4.0
Instructors may use Respondus 4.0 to upload test questions from a document to create a test in HuskyCT. The application can also be used to download a HuskyCT test to a document. This can be used to provide paper copies of HuskyCT tests.
- Improves Accessibility: Facilitates the creation of alternative formats for students who require paper-based assessments.
- Enables Backup & Portability: Allows instructors to download tests for local storage, archiving, or sharing with colleagues.