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Company: The Test Factory
Project: The Test Factory - Test Authoring Tool
Dates: Jan 2007 to Dec 2009
How did the project start?
The Test Factory application was born out of a need for companies to create and manage online tests for recruitment; however, it soon became clear from users, that the application enables clients to test employees to aid learning and development. There was clearly a need to provide tangible results from learning and development courses and to identify learning needs.
What options did you consider?
Our research showed that whilst online testing was a fast growing area, there was no solution to simply create and manage online tests to aid recruitment, learning and development. We therefore decided to create a platform to enable clients to simply author their own bespoke online tests, without the need for technical skills.
What help and expertise did you receive?
Our clients have shaped the application as a learning tool. We have added features such as displaying answers immediately after each question is completed to aid the use as a learning tool through online testing. They have also provided case studies for how this aids online learning, provides course accreditation and supports E-Learning.
Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?
We had to consider the needs and benefits the application would provide as an online learning tool. This involves using testing as a learning aid, identifying skills gaps, highlighting individual performances, reviewing groups and individuals and adapting learning programs based on results driven needs analysis.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
The Test Factory application is the leading tool for authoring online tests. It has been developed so it is user-friendly enabling the author of the tests to easily create and manage tests through a Windows style content management system. Through this authoring tool clients are able to create bespoke online tests enabling online learning to be tailored exactly to the needs of the employees. Users are able to create tests to assess the aptitude of employees and then tailor tests to help develop and improve areas that an individual may need help within. This means that companies are able to incorporate online testing to easily train new employees with the benefit of developing tests to help existing employees improve their performance.
What are your plans for the future?
We are developing the test platform further by developing functionality to add video and audio recordings which will see the application develop to be even more dynamic and engaging for the user. The potential of this platform is huge and through conversations with our existing and potential clients we are able to tailor and develop the application to our client’s specific needs within their organisation.
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