Monday, April 9, 2001		Article

Combining advantages of e-testing with
online learning

SOFTSPEC had commissioned a project to develop state-of-the-art Web-based testing software more than six month’s ago. The objective was to develop a testing system that would not only test an applicant’s knowledge but also enhance it. The technology for the software had to be such so as to overcome Internet-related infrastructure issues. After sustained efforts, the company has now launched a complete eTesting product, which combines eTesting with eLearning.

The site, www.SoftspecOnline.com is the only one that combines the inherent advantages of eLearning with eTesting. Candidates can enhance their skills in the comfort of their home or office at an affordable price. Even with Internet breakdowns, the status of the test is maintained and when the candidate logs on again, the test automatically restarts from exactly the same question where it was at the time of breakdown.

The site offers sophisticated software that makes the test "Internet disconnect proof" and enables automatic complete recovery from any interruption. The test is timed through a unique function in the software that only includes the time actually used by the candidate in reading and answering the questions.

The server processing and network time is not included in the test duration. If there is any power or Internet-related interruption of the test, the status of candidate’s test will not be lost. The candidate will be able to continue the test from the point where he or she left off and complete the test in several different sessions rather than just one session.

Currently, the site has questions on Java only. Content development in other subjects is to be introduced shortly. The testing software is backed up by questions that are constantly reviewed and updated by experienced and well-qualified professionals.

Softspec was established in Chandigarh in 1993 with the objective of providing IT consulting and education services to clients in corporate and public domain. Currently, Softspec is the only training organisation in the region with a tie-up with Sun Microsystems, USA for internationally certified Java training and with Sylvan Prometric, USA for Java testing.

Correct answers to complete tests have been available for the first time on the Web through www.softspeconline.com. After the completion of the test, the candidate can e-mail the results to a prospective employer or college. The site also provides an interface for exchange of test content and results between the applicant and the prospective employer. — TNS