Thinking Smarter (formerly eToolsAlert) August 2010
Do you want to THINK SMARTER?  Do you want to work SMARTER, NOT HARDER?  Our new monthly newsletter is designed to help you make minutes count. It is our new commitment to you.  Organizing your data and giving it back to you in a format that empowers you to make an informed decision.  Let's start THINKING SMARTER together! What is Your Learning Style? Have you ever taken the learning styles component of SmarterMeasure learning readiness indicator?  Based on the 7-multiple intellegences model, the learning styles section helps you discover how you learn best, what makes you tick, and what the world looks like through your eyes.  Over the past decade SmarterMeasure has evolved from client input and analysis of the data received.  Based on this feedback we are modifying the learning styles section.  The rationale for our enhancements include needing to improve the variability of the existing three-point by using a bipolar, four-point scale, the wording of some questions because two constructs were measured in a single question, along with multiple requests to decrease the length of the assessment. The important dates are listed below.  For more details about the change click here. As of September 1, 2010 - an optional 21-item instrument will be available to all clients.  This abbreviated version still measures each of the seven learning styles.  The questions are measured on a 4-point scale. As of October 15, 2010 - the 35-item instrument will be slightly modified with improved wording of some questions and the scale will be shifting from a 3-point scale to a 4-point scale. As of October 15, 2010 - all new test taker groups created will default to the 21-item instrument in the learning styles section.  However, you may manually choose the 35-item instrument by following the instructions below. SmarterMeasure Survey Says... Recently we sent out a survey to all of our SmarterMeasure administrators to get input on how to improve our support for users.  The survey sought input regarding a virtual user's conference, adding a contact directory, good practices webinar, and shared implementation plans, among others.  A brief synopsis of the results is listed below-take a look!  If you haven't responded yet, there is still time.  Click here and answer the short 8 question survey.  We value your feedback and are committed to providing you with the resources that best meet your needs as SmarterMeasure clients! A majority of responders said they would be interested in an Annual Virtual User's Group Conference. Another very popular idea was to add a "best practices" list to the admin panel resources tab.  About 75% of responders agreed that a shared contact directory would be helpful and said they would like to be included in it.  Almost 95% of responders stated they would possibly, probably, or definitely attend a free annual best practices webinar.  Adding a users' group meeting onto a widely attended conference appealed to about 70% and the most popular conferences were Blackboard World, Sloan-C, and eLearning-ITC. Stay tuned to learn more about how we plan to implement some of the most popular ideas! FREE Webinar-SmarterMeasure Webinar - Using Disaggregate Mode Tuesday, September 14th, 2:00-3:00 pm CST This webinar is designed for current clients who use SmarterMeasure and are interested in learning more about how to use the disaggregate mode which is now available to all clients.  This webinar is for you if you are concerned about the length of SmarterMeasure, would like more flexibility for each section, or if you are interested in separating out the sections of SmarterMeasure. Register today for this FREE webinar! FREE Webinar-Managing Information for and About Faculty Tuesday, September 21st, 2:00-3:00 pm CST Do you have questions about how to manage your faculty information more efficiently?  Would you like to learn more about how to collect faculty credentials, accomplishments and activities and make the data more meaningful?  Are you interested in evaluating a faculty member’s readiness to teach online classes?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar is for you! Join Dr. Mac Adkins from SmarterServices and L.K. Williams and Scott Wymer of Data180 for this FREE webinar to learn about specific tools that will assist you in managing information for and about faculty in the most efficient way!  Join us on Tuesday, September 21st, 2:00-3:00 pm central for the SmarterServices webinar and learn more about solutions to your challenges. If time allows, we will also be asking for input about ways your school has overcome these challenges.  Register today for this FREE fall webinar!    Did you miss out on our FREE summer webinar - Tools for Scaling your Distance Learning Program? Don't worry, you can access the archived session here.   Case Studies Are you currently using one or more of our products?  Would you like your school to be in the "spotlight"?  Periodically we highlight one school's case study in our monthly or quarterly publications. Case studies are important because they give the school free advertising and also provide ideas to other users about how they can improve implementation of our services.  If you are interested, please contact our VP of Marketing & Operations, Julie Owen, at julie@SmarterServices.com.  Some schools may be concerned about "unauthorized endorsements".  However, our case studies are written to report the factual account of your school's product usage and are not solely meant to advertise a school's endorsement of the product.  The process is easy and begins with a basic questionnaire.  The final case study is approved by all parties before being published in various locations including web, print, and collateral.	August Issue:  What is your Learning Style? SmarterMeasure Survey Says FREE Webinars Case Study SmarterServices Gives Back Ideas to Improve SmarterMeasure  SmarterServices Gives Back This month we heard about a group of our soldiers in Iraq putting together a 10K run to boost morale.  Requesting prizes, we gladly mailed a box of frisbees to give away.  Recreation is a great way to unwind. Do you have a great idea to improve SmarterMeasure? We want to hear from you!  We have just launched an official form that allows all SmarterMeasure admins to suggest new features.  Just click here and give us your ideas.  Select items will be chosen for future upgrades.  Tell the World you "Like" SmarterServices Follow us on Twitter! FREE SmarterMeasure Training Series Do you need some training on the administrative features of SmarterMeasure?  We provide bi-monthly 30 minute - FREE training sessions to all current clients.  To view a calendar of opportunities and register, click here.
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Thinking Smarter

Recently we sponsored a free webinar - "Tools for Scaling your Distance Learning Program".  To view the archived session go to http://smarterservices.com/webinars.cfm. 

Tools for Scaling your Distance Learning Program - FREE Webinar

Thinking Smarter (formerly eToolsAlert) June 2010

Do you want to THINK SMARTER?  Do you want to work SMARTER, NOT HARDER?  Our new monthly newsletter is designed to help you make minutes count. It is our new commitment to you.  Organizing your data and giving it back to you in a format that empowers you to make an informed decision.  Let's start THINKING SMARTER together! Case Study Spotlight: Anne Arundel Community College and SmarterMeasure In late 2009, Dr. Martha A. Smith, president of Anne Arundel Community College, announced plans to help its students be more successful in reaching their educational goals.  Part of that plan consisted of implementing a first-semester experience that included SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator.  The Virtual Campus at Anne Arundel uses SmarterMeasure to help their students make an informed decision if online education is right for them.  In addition, the learning style results are used to help students understand how they can learn best using their preferred learning style.  To read the complete case study click here.  SmarterProctors Wants You! The month of June marked the beginning of our SmarterProctors campaign.  SmarterProctors (formerly known as TestProctors.com) is a database of individuals who are available to proctor high stakes exams (currently in beta version).  With all 50 states represented, our database is growing daily.  This Fall we hope to open it up for students and schools to search from and find neutral, local proctors to administer exams.  The site will provide a secure payment process so no money changes hands at the time of the test.  If you would like to create a FREE profile click here.  If you are interested in learning more about SmarterProctors contact our sales team at sales@SmarterServices.com. FREE Webinar-Tools for Scaling your Distance Learning Program Thursday, June 24th, 2:30-3:30 pm CST Are you facing challenges in your distance learning program?  Are you interested in learning more about measuring student readiness?  Do you struggle with finding qualified online faculty?  Would you like to know more about how to automate your end of course data?  Is testing integrity an issue at your school or organization?  Join us on Thursday, June 24th, 2:30-3:30 pm central for the SmarterServices webinar and learn more about solutions to your challenges. If time allows we will also be asking for input about ways your school has overcome these challenges.  Register today for this FREE summer webinar!    Case Studies Are you currently using one or more of our products?  Would you like your school to be in the "spotlight"?  Beginning next month in our quarterly newsletter "SmarterServices", we will be highlighting a school that has agreed to participate in a case study.  We have selected a few schools thus far but are still looking for additional schools to spotlight.  Case studies are important because they give the school free advertising and also provide ideas to other users about how they can improve implementation of our services.  If you are interested, please contact our VP of Marketing & Operations, Julie Owen, at julie@SmarterServices.com.  Some schools may be concerned about " unauthorized endorsements".  However, our case studies are written to report the factual account of your school using our product and are not solely meant to advertise a school's endorsement of the product.  The process is easy and begins with a basic questionnaire.  The final case study is approved by all parties and will be published in various locations including web, print, and collateral.

New Features in July Do you read our quarterly newsletter?  It will be going out next month and we have several product enhancements to announce so be sure and watch for it mid July.  You'll be pleased as we continue to increase our speed, efficiency, and commit to the evolution of our services.  Become our fan on Facebook If you want to get updates on all the exciting things that are happening at SmarterServices, click here to become our fan! Do you Tweet? If you want to learn about what's going on with SmarterServices first, follow us on Twitter. SmarterMeasure Training Series Do you need some training on the administrative features of SmarterMeasure?  We provide bi-monthly 30 minute - FREE training sessions to all current clients.  To view a calendar of opportunities and register, click here.

Thinking Smarter eNews

SmarterProctors is proud to announce that all 50 states and Canada are now represented in our database.  But we still need more people to register as proctors.  It is FREE and if you are selected by a student or school you could earn extra money.  To create a free profile go to SmarterProctors.

Proctors in 50 States

Testing integrity remains a valid concern for distance learners.  With enrollments growing in distance learning programs across the country, ensuring honest and secure test taking is becoming a real challenge. 

Living in the technology age there is no short of new-fangled gadgets to prevent cheating.  Various kinds of "webcam" devices are now available on the market but some say that is too close to big brother himself invading a testing space.  They have also faced scrutiny about whether they really do prevent cheating.  An extra resource or cheat sheet could be placed in sight of the student and out of sight to the camera.  Some of the more advanced cams are costly to purchase and provide an additional financial burden on the student.

Other devices such as browser locks have also been used to entrust the student does not browse other sites for answers.  However, they too have weaknesses that haven't been fully explained. 

Thus, schools and organizations continue to discuss the challenges and solutions of testing integrity.  How do they assist their students in staying honest, while not invading their privacy?  How do they promote honest test-taking without assuming those who are online students will cheat?  Once upon a time, people depending on people to administer exams. 

SmarterProctors is bringing the human touch to testing integrity.  Even though a student is taking a course online doesn't mean they cannot travel to a local designation and have a test administered by a proctor.  This provides an inexpensive, secure, convenient option to the student and the school.  SmarterProctors is a database of individuals who want to proctor exams.  It is absolutely FREE to create a profile.  The profiles include basic information, location availability, and whether the testing site will include internet access, printing, etc.  Currently we are building the database and plan to open it up for students and schools to search from in the Fall.  To learn more go to www.SmarterProctors.com.

Testing Integrity - Valid Concern