ANGEL Tip #8: Extended Testing Time

Sometimes you find it necessary to give a particular student(s) extra time when taking an assessment.  This is very easy to do in ANGEL when using the testing feature.  All it involves is creating two teams – one for the extended testing time and one for the rest of the class –  and then customizing the settings.

Here's what you do:

1. Go to the Manage tab in your course and click on "Teams".
2. Click on "Add a Team".
3. Give the Team a name – it might be something like “extended testing time” or whatever helps you identify the team that needs extended time. You can also just call them Team A or Team B.
4. Click "Save".
5. You will see your list of students.  From your list of students, place a check-mark in front of the name of the student(s) who needs extended testing time.
6. Click “Add Selected” and then "Done".
7. Repeat the process for creating a team that will include the rest of the students in the class.  
8. After you have created your teams, go to your Lessons tab and locate the specific assessment. 
9. Hover your mouse over the assessment and click "settings".
10. Click the "Advanced" radio button (near the top).
11. Click the "Access" tab.
12. Next to "Team Access," select "Selected Teams" from the drop down box.
13. Check the box in front of the team who needs extended times and then click that team name.
14. You should see a pop up box called Custom Team Settings.  Check off  "Advanced Settings".
15. You will see the override settings that you can select to accommodate the team who needs extended time.
16. Make sure to click "Save" once you have selected your extended time options.

If you have any questions please contact the ANGEL Helpdesk at angel@northshore.edu.

Best Practices for Smart Classrooms: Environmental Factors

When presenting in the classroom using technology, it’s always a great idea to see what might be getting in the way of good teaching and learning.  It really helps to visualize what a good learning space might look like for your particular needs. 

• How should desks or tables be arranged?
• Does it make sense to project on a screen or a whiteboard?
• What kind of flexibility exists for lighting in the room?
• How should I set those lights for note taking yet visibility of any projected materials?
• How should the shades in the room be positioned?
• Are there noise factors in the room?  If so, how can they be minimized?
• Am I able to be mobile in the classroom as I present?  How can I be less tethered to the podium in the room?
• What else gets in the way of great teaching and learning?

Here are some good links that address the issue of the learning space as it relates to good pedagogy:

What Makes A Great Learning Space?

http://www.gensleron.com/cities/2011/7/21/what-makes-a-great-learning-space.html

Learning Spaces

http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/lrm22/learning_spaces/

Best Practices in Learning Space Design
http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/best-practices-learning-space-design-engaging-users

What have you done in your classroom to minimize how environmental factors affect teaching and learning?

Please let us know how we can help you show your best teaching in the classroom by minimizing learning space issues.   Contact us at itd@northshore.edu.