Previewing a test

There are several ways of test-running a test before it is used with test-takers. The simplest way is to use the test preview feature.

If using TAO Core, you will need to install the TAO Extension: taoQTITestPreviewer to preview your test in this way. Using the test preview, it is not necessary to either publish the test or to assign it to test-takers. The test preview allows you, as test author, to navigate through the test questions as a test-taker would. TAO Core is a deprecated product.

Follow the steps below to preview your test.

1. Select the test from the Tests library.

1. Click on the Preview button on the blue bar above the test properties.

2. Alternatively, select Authoring > Preview.

2. Navigating the test preview in TAO Advance

• The first question of the test will be displayed on the screen.

• The test-taker Overview panel will appear on the bottom-left.

• There is an option to adjust the size of the display to evaluate how the test would appear on different devices. The size options are Actual, Desktop, and Mobile and can be accessed by the dropdown at the top of the test preview:

4. Take the test.

TAO Advance provides a test preview experience that closely reflects what a test-taker will encounter during a live test session. By “taking the test”, authors can experience other test configurations as they would appear to test-takers.

• Any custom branding or item styling will display.

• The preview will behave according to any configured attempts for items or item shuffling.

• Navigate through the test using the arrow buttons, as a test-taker would (the backwards arrow button will only be available if non-linear navigation is configured).

  • The preview will behave according to navigation configuration, including events that disable the navigation temporarily (such as an Entry Code PCI or uploading a file).

• View which question you are on in the numbered list at the bottom of the interface.

• Test taker tools will display and function during the preview (see note below for TTS support).

• Timers display but do not operate during the preview. The (static) maximum amount of time allotted for the test, part, section, or item will display.

• When you have answered all the questions, select Close at the top of the screen (normally a test taker would submit when they have reached the last question on the numbered list). Once you have exited the preview, you will be redirected to the test in the test library (or test authoring, if configured).

Previewing a test in TAO 3.x

In order to help transition content from the legacy engine (TAO 3.x) to the new one (TAO Advance), the possibility to preview items and tests with both test rendering engines is now available. Both preview options are available in the authoring instance once configured.

This option allows users to see the test in TAO 3.x UI.

When previewing a test in TAO 3.x, the first question of the test will be displayed on the screen. The test-taker review panel will appear on the left if you have configured the test accordingly.

You can navigate through the test using the Previous and Next buttons on the bottom right, as a test-taker would. The percentage bar on the top left will show what percentage of the test has been completed (or test section, if you have them). If you have configured the test to give instant feedback, this will also be shown.

When you have answered all the questions, an End test button will appear. Normally, the test-taker would submit their answers using this button. Click on it to exit the test preview. This will take you back to the test in the test library.