Studio Spring 2020
How might we redesign a testing center for SMU?
Collectively, Associate Provost Sherri Kunovich, SMU’s Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS), and the Altschuler Learning Enhancement Center (ALC) provides students with accommodations to take tests outside of the traditional classroom setting. On-campus testing experiences have been varied for student test-takers and student proctors. Students using remote testing services experienced a complex sequence of events, while proctor interactions could directly impact the test takers experience.
TEAM:
James Alanis | Regina Nippert
During the Spring of 2020, this team of two sought to understand the needs and opportunities associated with improving the “remote” or off-site testing experience and verify whether there was a need for a centralized testing center and/or a more standardized remote and distance learning testing process at SMU.
From their research, the team created a digital solution prototype called Meet Socrates. This integrated Test Management App was designed to help students manage their time and testing challenges in order to work through hurdles associated with remote test-taking through text communication and Online to-do lists. Text messages from Socrates would gently remind the student to begin preparations in the days before the test, getting into a routine, chunking items, and single-tasking.
In addition to helping students prepare for tests, Socrates could equip faculty to preempt issues by reviewing resources and supporting materials for proctored tests.
