Sending Test Results through Email

[krixquet]

Okay, now that school is back in session and things are quieting down a bit... I am back to this. I am going to work with a programmer at the same time and will post an update once I know what I am doing. Thanks.

[peterLEXsorenson]

and the reason I stopped developing Lextensions.

We have a solution that already works - but it costs a little bit of money to add to your course.

We capture and transparently send the results of a student's test to anyone you want to send it to, with a subject line, cc, bcc, body text AND the results: the question, the correct answer, and EACH selected answer in sequence.

I posted a screen grab previously - just one response ago.

So my question is: why work with a programmer to develop a solution that already exists?

ASTD just published an article on the technology, with a follow-up in December ( Virtual Observers in E-Learning Leads to Returned Business Intelligence - Learning Circuits - ASTD ).

Thanks in advance for any response - -

[krixquet]

Because the programmer is free and works for our district. He will help me with my entry page for a secure site on our website for registered users of the course and help me with creating any code required in the course, while working with the Lectora user guide and CGI set-up. Which is above my knowledge. Thanks for the offer.

[peterLEXsorenson]

I could argue this until I'm blue in the face - but I no longer tilt at windmills.

I'm guessing in the grand scheme the programmer isn't free. Someone is paying for his time. It might not come out of your budget, but it comes out of someone's budget.

It's the interesting issue with organizations that don't have to deal with profit & loss issues. A perspective on cost versus value. The programmer works for your district - which I have to assume is a school district - and he is available to you - and so I assume that there is no requisition that must be filed to request his assistance or a purchase order against which he must bill or otherwise account for his time.

So really the school district is subsidizing this work. The school district budget is basically going to cover the number of hours that the programmer spends on developing a solution for this issue. So the perception that this is free seems to be wrong.

This is the reason it didn't make financial sense to continue developing Lextensions. Free doesn't pay the mortgage.

[krixquet]

I understand Peter and thanks for your input. It is hard when one has to follow a system that does not always seem logical, especially when using grant money. I do not always agree with financial paths that must be followed, but I do my best to advocate for logical and less costly avenues, when possible. It becomes more and more difficult to decide when, where, who, why, how ... so frustrating at times, that I have to step away and take a walk. Every decision affects and effects another. It is a fine line to determine if money spent is wasted or invested, meaning, are we wasting money or investing money if we are using our time learning while extending our knowledge-base and when are we using time as a money waster if someone else has already found a resolution?

[peterLEXsorenson]

You don't have to explain - my sister is an underpaid Math Teacher.

I just put a spin on "free".

My only response is that effort needs be rewarded if there is value. My wife taught me about five years ago it was cheaper to pay someone to do the heavy lifting jobs around the house because my time was better spent tackling other issues that either saved me OR made me more money.

If you have the time and desire to investigate this yourself then self-expansion is great. As long as the time spent does not impact other areas - timeline, client expectations, etc.

Good Luck.

[krixquet]

Thanks. I always appreciate good conversation, even when it is virtually. Everything that keeps me on my toes is worth reading, evaluating, and responding. I also teach on the side, 2-3 courses (online and seated). So, I have experienced the "cheaper to pay someone" to keep the house clean, then for me to spend time in the same manner you have described.

Again, thanks for your responses. I really do appreciate the insight.