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We were given a demonstration on WebCT Vista last year. One of the features that interested me was the assessment tool in WebCT Vista. In addition to grading the test, WebCT Vista allows a great deal of control over the timing and availability of the test. Making up tests directly in WebCT Vista however proved to be tedious, so when I learned about Respondus later on, I had all the tools (and no more excuses) to put WebCT Vista to the test. Respondus guides the user through the steps needed to convert a text file into a WebCT Vista assessment document.

My freshman course MECH163 seemed to be ideal for evaluating the capabilities of WebCT Vista. My main motivation in using WebCT Vista in this course was to persuade the students to read the text and my online lectures.

I started by preparing a text file with multiple choice questions from case histories covered in class, and lecture slides. I identified the correct answers in the text file. Respondus was then used to convert this file into an assessment document for WebCT Vista. I created the test with a password and by giving the students the password in class, I made sure that only those present are taking the test. In this semester, I have used Respondus/WebCT Vista in my senior course MECH605 to also ensure that students have read the text and my lecture slides. As part of their midterm exam, the students had to answer 40 multiple choice questions related to their knowledge of the course.

My experience with Respondus/WebCT Vista so far has been very positive. Even though my primary goal has been to encourage students to read the text books and lecture notes, I am certain that I will discover additional uses for them in my courses in the future.