Student Testing on iPads

8/30/2017
An update to the post below.  Both iPad Apps described below are now available on your students' devices.
-BG
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For several years NWEA MAP testing has been available for iPads, but our District has continued to use desktops for the routine testing cycle.  A part of the reason has been that the NWEA MAP iPad App has not been available to download .... until now.

The NWEA Map testing application is now available on all elementary teacher iPads for a trial basis in Self Service.  It is in the 'Accounts' category.  A few clicks can quickly make it available on all elementary student iPads if the decision is made to use it.  Can we coordinate a trial basis of using the iPads instead of the desktops for MAP testing this school year?

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Iowa Tier FAST Testing may also be completed on iPads.  A different application is needed though.  It is called AIRSecureTest.  It will work in a very similar manner as the MAP testing application.  It is also available in Self Service, but only on teacher iPads for now.  This can be quickly installed on student devices if the decision is made to use it.  Click here to read more about secure browser options.  Click here to read more about FAST testing this coming school year.

Some questions keep in mind with this move:

Will the tactile nature of the iPads help increase engagement and performance on the tests for K-4 students?

How is the test-taking experience different with an iPad? Will students perform better with no mouse or keyboard?

What evidence would lead to a conclusion that we should permanently move testing to the classroom iPads?

Will this meet the needs better for some of our students who have special needs OR will this meet the needs better for all of our elementary students?

(What other consideration questions should be added to this list?)