BSc Programs Committee Meeting

Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

Room B103.11 Health Sciences Building

3:00 - 4:30 pm

MINUTES

Present

Dr. Nick Ovsenek (Chair), Dr. Mary Pato, Dr. Paul Lee, Dr. Pat Krone, M. Webster

Special Guests

John Costa (ITS), Dr. Cyril Coupal and Tanieth Dale from Educational and Research

Technology Services

Regrets

Dr. William Albritton, Dr. Kevin Schneider, Dr. Calliopi Havele, and Dr. Kash Desai, 

John Costa (ITS) and Dr. Cyril Coupal and Tanieth Dale from the Department of Educational and Research Technology Services were invited to attend the B.Sc. Programs Committee meeting to present information about on line examination tools (Technology Enhanced Assessment).  If adopted, the University of Saskatchewan would be the first in Canada to use such technology. 

Educational and Research Technology Services began investigating on line examination opportunities a year ago. They are now at the stage where they need input from university stakeholders, and the Division of Biomedical Sciences has been asked to participate in this pilot project. 

Assistance is required in the form of idea creation, assessing needs, and possibly allowing specific courses to be used for testing the new technology. The Division will establish a sub committee who will work directly with the Department of Educational Research Technology Services. This is a long term project that is expected to begin early in the New Year.

Tanieth Dale pointed out that different needs exist across campus for this technology and no single solution is likely to meet all individual needs. Interesting aspects of the new technology include the ability to display diagrams and images, the ability to provide random test questions and answers, and the ability to ask increasingly more difficult questions. Many security issues need to be identified and addressed. At this stage it is more important to focus on opportunities and how we can engage them, rather than the obstacles. 

Currently the blackboard system at the University of Saskatchewan does allow for on line examinations, but does not include random variations. More training and support could be provided to introduce the idea of on line testing.

 The process of investigation will begin with gathering information to understand the examination process and to assess needs. The campus is moving toward a wireless connection and ideas such as supplying lap tops and providing secure examination classrooms will be explored. There are various systems available, and a project goal will be to identify the most appropriate for the University of Saskatchewan.

Tanieth and Cyril will contact the Division in the near future and provide a timeline for the pilot project. Nick will set up a sub committee to work on the project.