During the 2009 AACOM conference, interested people came together to review the state-of-the-art on online testing in osteopathic medical schools, discuss specific areas for collaboration, and determine if there was an interest in initiating online testing working groups. The outcome of that meeting was two-fold.
- First, it was recommended that an AACOM Online Testing Listserv be created for individuals interested in sharing information about all aspects of online testing; from hardware/software issues to security to tips for developing test items.
- Secondly, it was recommended that a national database of test items be developed that could be shared among all osteopathic medical schools, with the ability to validate the items using the national pool of responders.
Currently, we are in the initial stages of the revitalized project with new leadership, Bonnie Granat, Director, Office of Program Evaluation and Assessment, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. Bonnie has created a website to organize the group’s effort, which includes a survey, a blog and more.
This is a great time to join this working group. Check out the new website and take the survey.
If you would like more information about this project or would like to join the Online Testing Working Group, please contact Bonnie Granat, NYCOM at bgranat@nyit.edu