2003 article that summarizes trends in research on computer-based testing, how results compared to paper assessments and the role that computer-familiarity has played.

Compilation of websites for practicing mouse, keyboarding and navigation skills.

Teachers in other countries are also predicting the shift to online assessment.

July 2012 blog post that introduces Google Chrome's Typing Speed Monitor.  Per author, applications for education could include finding out how well students type in realistic scenarios.  Could be used to supplement Quia in our SIG in determining student readiness for SBAC/PARCC.

January 2012 article that touches on Smarter Balanced's accommodations for students with special needs and disabilities. **I could not find this in a non-ProQuest format, so you might need to login and search for it.

Aug/Sept 2011 statement from Smarter Balanced on their planned Digital Library with resources for teachers. **I couldn't find a non-ProQuest link, so you might have to login via MSU (or another entity/login) and search for the article

December 2010 analysis of PARCC and Smarter Balanced proposals. Identifies differences between the two consortia. In essence, PARCC will have more mandatory summative assessments throughout the year; SBAC will only have 1 summative, but several optional formative assessments.

While it may have changed in the past 2 years, according to this article, PARCC assessments for grades 3-5 will NOT be administered online.

August 2005 report that evaluates 8th grade writing assessment (& math) completed on paper vs. online; major findings include: students with stronger computer skills performed better on the online assessment than students who lacked computer skills

February 2010 article re: research study that took place in 2006-2007 w/ 5-7 y.o. in Britain.  Sought to research the combination of low-stakes e-assessments w/ formative assessment; found that e-assessments could be designed to give qualitative feedback that was more helpful than numerical feedback in determining student progress, strengths, weakness and next steps. B/c done via e-assessment, teachers could instantly receive the resulting profiles for each student.

While the mandatory PARCC and SBAC assessments are more summative in nature, I believe the optional mid-year assessments are meant to be more formative - does that seem right, Donna?  Do you  happen to know how schools will receive the results (i.e. score versus qualitative results)?

September 2010 article on SBAC & PARCC; not a whole lot that's new.  Highlights performance-based tasks and optional tests for throughout the school year to help guide learning/curriculum.

August 2012 article on PARCC's release of sample questions.  Interestingly, the article identify's PARCC's test questions (and Smarter Balanced's) as innovative and moving away from traditional test questions, when other articles I've found quote PARCC/SBAC leaders as stating that the technology infrastructure and skills needed won't be THAT high-tech or new.

October 2012 news article that provides a summary of the types of sample questions released by Smarter Balanced (for those who do not want to look through every sample question for every grade level and subject area).

October 2012 article that discusses the technology school districts might need for Smarter Balanced and PARCC; test designers might require tablets for some portions of assessments; addresses potential issues with tablets and possible solutions (i.e. requiring external keyboard and mouse).

While parts of this diverge from the focus of our SIG, it's really interesting and worth the read. In the tablet vs. computer section, it does discuss potential struggles for test-takers depending on the device. Depending on which one ends up being required (or if both are required), students might need to develop different sets of skills (or two sets of skills).

Computer skills evaluation tool by Labyrinth.  Could be used to help determine students' initial computer literacy and to track progress throughout the year.

November 2012 article about Dell's KACE tools that can help school districts know if they need to upgrade their technology for Smarter Balanced, PARCC and other online assessments.

Limited study from November 2008 that compares game-like online assessments vs. traditional paper assessments vs. online assessments with more traditional questions.  Study is from Taiwan, focuses on 5th grade biology.

You might have to login to your MSU account in order to gain access. I know it's not very relevant to our SIG, but I thought it was interesting - it definitely makes you think that, in many ways, Smarter Balanced and PARCC are not THAT innovative.

August 2011 commentary on effects of PARCC and Smarter Balanced assessments.  Discusses beliefs on how these online assessments will affect the balance of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.

July 2012 article on how implementation of PARCC and Smarter Balanced assessments might affect poor students and urban schools.  Gives example of how Virginia addressed increased achievement gap after implementing online assessments.

October 2012 news article that describes sample questions from Smarter Balanced and PARCC assessments.  Also addresses need for continued funding once federal grant runs out.

June 2012 article from The Washington Post on the implementation of online assessments; gives background info on funding and previous attempts to implement online assessments in Wyoming and Virginia.