Embedded Files
The digital demands of the CAEC test
The digital demands of the CAEC test
To successfully manage the digital demands of the CAEC, candidates will need to
Read, interpret and respond to various forms of information (e.g.icons, text, images, graphics) on a complex testing platform
Navigate the test interface using a variety of text manipulation and navigation tools
Answer test questions using at least 13 different interactive answer formats, including drag and drop, ordering, selection and direct entry questions
Read a variety of digital communication formats, particularly in the reading and writing sections (e.g. emails, results of searches, infographics, texting excerpts, etc.).
The digital demands are challenging for those with limited experience completing complex tasks online such as searching, compiling, posting, navigating sites, organizing files and completing forms.
While digital skills and knowledge are not the focus of the CAEC tests, they are essential for success. The digital skills are not separate from the content but are a means through which learners can show what they know in the content areas. Instructors across all subject areas should be aware of the digital demands of the tests so they can help test candidates manage the cognitive load. --- Monica Leong
Content related to the digital features of the CAEC was originally developed by Monica Leong for an initial report of the CAEC completed by AlphaPlus.
What the research says about computer-based testing
What the research says about computer-based testing
Computer-based testing introduces both cognitive and equity challenges.
Computer-based testing increases the cognitive load and could interfere with a test-taker's ability to demonstrate their knowledge, particularly test-takers with weaker working memory (Comparability of computer-based and paper-and-pencil testing in K–12 reading assessments: A meta-analysis of testing mode effects).
When the transition from paper-based testing to computer-based testing was analysed using the same test, students who scored lower on the computer-based test tended to come from lower income households (Paper vs. online testing: Whatʼs the impact on test scores?).
However, the difference in test scores narrowed when computer practise opportunities were similar for all students (How the switch from paper to computer tests impacts student achievement).
Adult learners in foundational learning programs are disproportionately from lower-income households and experience learning challenges. They need access to as much online practise as possible when preparing for the CAEC test so they can build digital skills as they build background knowledge. Test-preparation courses should primarily use engaging, high quality online resources rather than static paper-based resources.
Interpret a large amount of information and navigate the interface
Interpret a large amount of information and navigate the interface
View the test-item below (i.e. the source, question and answer format) from the perspective of someone who has no experience with online testing or completing complex tasks on a desktop or laptop. Where do you start? How do you access the reading? How do you respond to the test questions? What is the meaning of various symbols? How are they used? How do you move to another question?
Candidates will need two kinds of related experience simply to read and respond to the test item (i.e. the source, test question and answer format).
They need test-taking experience to judge relevant and irrelevant information. Test-takers need to sort through numerous bits of information and decide if it’s needed or not to complete the test question. This takes practise and confidence in testing situations.
They also need experience using desktops or laptops to carry out complex tasks that require navigation and manipulation of the page. Once decisions are made about relevant information — whether text, image or icon — test-takers then need to determine how and where to find the sections of the page that contain the information needed to complete the test question.
Use the built-in tutorial to explore various navigation, accessibility and problem-solving tools that are available in the CAEC tests.
Answer the test questions using at least 13 different interactive answer formats
Answer the test questions using at least 13 different interactive answer formats
Test-takers will also need to recognize and learn to respond to many different types of test questions in the CAEC tests. This is a complex and demanding change compared to the GED®, which consistently used a standard single select multiple-choice question format.
Below, is a list of 13 types of answer formats we found in the sample tests, and some of the specific digital actions they require. Science and social studies have the greatest variety of test answer formats. Don’t assume candidates know how to manipulate the variety of test answer formats. Provide explicit instruction so candidates know how to choose an answer.
1. Select one text box answer (standard single select multiple-choice question).
Click on a text box.
The border of the text box you select changes colour to show that it has been selected. This means the test-taker has answered the question.
2. Select one or more text box answers, then drag and drop in the answer window.
The border of the text box you select changes to show that it has been selected, but you have not yet answered the question. You must drag and drop the selected text box into the larger coloured box.
3. Select more than one text box answer in a list.
If you select less than the required number of items, there is nothing that prevents you from continuing to the next question. In the navigation pane on the left, however, the small white circle beside that question stays white and does not become a dark circle as it does when you have completed a question.
Once you select the required number of items, the small circle beside that question in the navigation pane turns dark.
If you try to select more than the required number of items, a pop-up window appears that says you have reached the maximum. You must manually deselect an answer to be able to select another.
4. Match or sort a list of graphic items by dragging and dropping them into the correct spot.
Choose which graphic item fits in each of two answer spaces.
Only one answer is allowed in each location.
If you want to change your answer, the new one does not replace the old one. You must manually remove one answer to put in a new answer.
When you remove an answer and drop it back into the list of choices, it automatically shifts back to its original location in the list regardless of where you drop it.
5. Match or sort a list of text boxes by dragging and dropping them into the correct spot.
Only one answer is allowed in each location.
If you change your answer, the new one replaces the old one.
When you remove an answer and drop it back into the list of choices, it automatically shifts back to its original location in the list regardless of where you drop it.
6. Classify multiple statements with either of two words and reuse the answer choices.
This is similar to a sorting question except that it allows the test-taker to use the same answer choice in multiple answer boxes.
7. Select a paragraph in a longer text.
Click on the source text to highlight a paragraph.
If you click on a paragraph, it gets highlighted with a blue border.
If you click another paragraph, the first one gets deselected automatically.
8. Select one or more graphic items.
Graphic items can contain text.
Graphic items can contain images only.
Graphic items can contain the same images with different words.
Graphic items can contain different images and different words.
9. Sort a list of text box items into groups by dragging and dropping them into the correct spot. You can see the following three variations on this type of question.
When there are more items than categories to put them in, it does not say specifically to sort them all. It can seem like you should only put one item in each category.
When there are the same number of items to arrange as places to arrange them, it is potentially less confusing. The Venn diagram above has three items to be sorted into three locations.
Sometimes, colour-coded choices are presented, but this is not explained. The question above has two answer boxes (one blue and one yellow) and four potential answers (two blue and two yellow). Any answer choice can go into either the blue or yellow answer box. Nothing prevents the test-taker from mixing the colours, and nothing indicates the colours are cues, even though the correct answers are paired in the same colour as the respective answer box.
10. Place the correct coloured square(s) in a location on a puzzle
Drag and drop coloured pieces into a puzzle image of a digital gaming unit.
There are only two places where the coloured squares can be placed. To change your answer, either remove the coloured square from the location or put another colour on top of it. Answers automatically swap out.
11. Put a check mark in multiple boxes in a table.
a. Limited number of check boxes allowed. Click the box to make a check mark appear. Click another box in the same row and the previous check mark disappears. Only one check mark in each row. Remove check marks by clicking on them. Nothing prevents you from leaving any row blank. If you leave a row blank, the white circle beside that question in the navigation pane does not become a dark circle, as it does when you have completed a question.
b. Unlimited number of checkboxes allowed. Click as many boxes as you want. Remove a check mark by clicking on it. When at least one check mark is in the table, the small white circle beside that question in the navigation pane turns to a dark circle, indicating that you have answered the question. To answer correctly, however, you must check off several boxes.
a. Limited number of check marks allowed
b. Unlimited number of checkboxes allowed
12. Select an answer from a drop-down list.
There can be one or more different drop-down lists within a question.
Answer boxes are empty until you click on the drop-down list and choose one answer.
Answers you have previously chosen from the drop-down list automatically swap out if you choose a new answer.
Sometimes answers in the drop-down box are labels (i.e. letters) that cannot stand alone and refer to specific information in the source second image. To see what the answers in the drop-down box are referring to, either switch back and forth from the question page view to the information page view or use the split screen view to see both pages at the same time.
Sometimes answers in the drop-down box are text that can stand alone, like a number or a phrase.
Sometimes answers in the drop-down box are labels (i.e. letters).
13. Enter a number in an empty answer box (fill-in-the-blank).
To enter a number, click on the empty box, then type in a number. To change the answer, use the delete or backspace buttons.
All questions in math Part 1 use this style of fill-in-the-blank question.
There are restrictions on what you can type in the empty box. For example, depending on the question, you can type between 1-4 digits, as well as a negative sign, but you cannot type in letters or other symbols.
As soon as any allowable character is typed in the empty box, the small white circle beside that question in the navigation pane turns to a dark circle, indicating that you have answered the question.
Slides you can use and modify for a CAEC overview workshop
Slides you can use and modify for a CAEC overview workshop
We've transferred the information on this page to a set of slides that you can use during workshops or courses. The information is directed at test candidates.
Make modifications as needed. Add your logo and enhance the information to suit your needs and growing knowledge of the CAEC digital features.
Build foundational digital skills
Build foundational digital skills
Instructors at the Labour Education Centre in Toronto have developed an accessible and useful website to help learners develop basic digital literacy. Here is what they write about the site: "We built this website to help adults practice skills related to learning computers, tablets and smartphones. It is a place where anyone can explore, practise, and gain confidence with digital tools at their own pace. The website also shows work made by learners in our classes. Our goal is to support adults learning digital skills, both inside and outside the classroom. We created this site based on the real needs of learners, while collecting user feedback to improve and add new activities."
Use Northstar quizzes to review and practise basic computer skills
Use Northstar quizzes to review and practise basic computer skills
Northstar has developed a series of online and interactive quizzes that can also be used to review and build new skills and knowledge. Anyone can freely take the assessments from anywhere via the Northstar homepage. In addition, if adults want a certificate, they can go to an approved Northstar location and obtain the Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate when they pass assessments.
Page updated
Report abuse