James Madison Universitys Distance-Learning Solution
The Client
James Madison University is a post-secondary educational institution in Harrisonburg, Virginia, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1908, it serves a diverse student body of over 16,000 students. In 2000, JMU chose Prometric to administer the testing program of its Internet-based, distance-learning graduate program.
The Challenge
In the summer of 2000, James Madison University was searching for a testing solution to enhance its Internet-based, distance-learning graduate program. The program in Information Security is offered to students living and working around the nation and abroad. Administrators and students alike agreed that the testing portion of the program needed convenience and efficiency without compromising the integrity and validity of the academic curriculum. Securing facilities and proctors each semester was challenging, and the planning proved both time- and labor-intensive.
The Solution
Working with the University, Prometric collected requirements, analyzed options, and developed a tailored testing solution to meet the needs of the current program, and to easily accommodate growth and changes. In August 2000, the University began using Prometric's site-based, online testing solution for all of the major course exams for the Information Security program. This solution incorporates Prometric's extensive computer-based test center network with PRIME, one of Prometric's Web-based testing tools. The blended solution gives the University unprecedented convenience, efficiency and an enhanced measurement program.
PRIME allows professors to author, publish and refresh examinations for their respective courses. The global testing network gives students unprecedented access to secure testing facilities. Each testing facility is proctored to ensure the integrity of the test-taking experience, including validating the identity of the test taker and ensuring that the proper exam is delivered and administered. Students have the flexibility of scheduling exams at a time and at a location that best meets their busy schedules including when traveling abroad. Exam results are electronically processed and are instantly available, reducing the administrative burden of gathering, compiling and analyzing scores.
Today, James Madison's distance learning program continues to grow and Prometric's services are growing with it. University officials expect to use the Prometric testing solution with additional Web-based courses in the future.
"By partnering with the global industry leader in technology-based testing, we have continually refined an emerging academic model that is in demand and growing in acceptance. Our relationship is collaborative, responsive and mutually beneficial," said Allen Berg, Executive Director, Development and Operations, Commonwealth Information Security Center at James Madison University.