USING WEB BASED TESTING TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE ACTIVE LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM

Recent studies have indicated that increasing the number of exams and, hence, decreasing the amount of material covered in each exam enhances student learning. However, by using more class time for exams the amount of time for learning activities in the classroom by the students is decreased. We have addressed this problem by using web based testing techniques (INQSIT) to enhance active learning in the classroom. INQSIT, developed at Ball State University, is a web-based testing program that has allowed us to gain valuable class time, and at the same time increase flexibility in testing and decrease student test anxiety.

In our large introductory geology course (112 students/class), students take INQSIT-based exams outside of the regular class time in proctored computer labs. Students schedule their own time for taking the exam, but it must be scheduled within a set five day interval. The responses from the students have been generally positive. They especially appreciated the convenience of being able to schedule the exams according to their time schedule. We gave five exams per semester, and interestingly students indicated that this amount of exams is good for learning, but fewer exams would produce better grades. Anticipated complaints about instructors not being available for questions during exams were very rare.

At present, this has given us five additional class times for learning activities. As part of these activities we have begun to introduce group presentations based around current events and group discussion periods on specific topics being covered during a specific week. Recently, the department has purchased 32 lap top computers with wireless internet access. Over the next two years, this will allow student groups, during class time, to access interactive web sites, solve geologic problems (e.g. seismic and volcanic hazard studies), and discuss the results within and amongst the groups. Our goal is to heighten the students' interest in recognizing geologic hazards and problems, as well as the connections between their daily lives and ongoing geologic processes, by using this combination of up-to-date computer applications and group activities.