As we're in the middle of a review of the tools we use in support of assessment, I thought I'd share my analysis of the various tools that we come across. As today is a Sunday, we'll start off with a simple one:
Classmarker
Classmarker is an online quizmaker that offers free quizzes (supported by advertisement) with upgrades (including removing the advertisement) for an additional fee.
Type: online service
Cost: Free with paid upgrades
Features: Multiple choice quiz, free text quiz or punctuation quiz.
Interoperability: None
System requirements: Any browser
The first thing I notice when registering, is that the UK doesn't exist, although the 4 home nations do. A more serious point to note, as with many online services, is that all content (and so that includes all personal information, questions and results) will be the property of Classmarker.
The features of this service are extremely limited. While the Classmarker supports 3 question types, it only allows you to use one of those per test. Options such as randomisation, feedback and branding are all features you will have to pay for. There seems to be no way to import or export your questions.
The site seems to be built mainly around Google Adsense. The advertisement and a Google search box is present on every possible page, and that will include the ones your learners visit. Upgrading to get rid of the advertisements costs $24.95 (or 49.95 for a business account, whatever that means). But then your users will still ave to register with the service before being able to take the test. Allowing for unregistered learners to take a test will cost you $0.10 or more per learner. Not really value for money given the incredibly limited features that are on offer.
Conclusion: I really can't see anything of value here. If you need something that is hosted for you, most survey services offer you more functionality. If you have your own space to host your assessments, even the simpler tools available wil offer more then Clasmarker.
Apologies to have to start of with such a negative review. I just stumbled across this tool today, and I thought I might as well write this up now. Do let me know if you have any comments, or perhaps sugestions for other tools I could review.
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9 comments:
Hi, your blog is inaccurate, randomisation of questions and answers I get free with ClassMarker, I love the site and so do all my kids.
They also get back to me when I have a question unlike the last site I used. I only use the free service but think I will upgrade soon as $24.95 per year is cheaper then anything else I have found and it more then does the job for me. No upload of quizzes is the only thing I find missing but they have said they will add this in soon. But overall I think it's amazing for a free service.
Hi Trish,
Thank you for that correction. It's good to hear that the site managers are responsive, I do agree that is important. I think my main dissapointment was around the limitation of features, having used many systems that allow for greater affordances there. I hope to get around to writing up something on some other tools soon to perhaps illustrate this better.
Are there any competitors to ClassMarker in this space?
I highly recommend Kubbu.com
Hi - you review is inaccurate - I use all three question types in the same quiz. Other features you don't mention are special characters that come in hand, the ability to insert images and even video's, and full reporting of results back to the teacher. These are features equal to much more expensive programs.
Anyone have the contact information? I cannot get it anywhere. I use the paid version for my students and it worked great till last Friday. Now I cannot access it at school. It is not blocked by our network, and I can get to everything from home, but I'm a little upset that I paid my money and cannot get to my quizzes.
Hi All,
Did you know that ClassMarker relaunched this year with lots of great new features? ClassMarker is a very sophisticated, reliable system that is relied upon by customers all over the globe.
I'd encourage everyone to go back and revisit the site and see how it works.
In regards to content, all content remains the property of our customers (not ClassMarker). You can remove your content at any time, and we will never share your data. You can share tests you've created if you choose via our Community section.
Scott: You can reach us using our Contact us page http://www.classmarker.com/online-testing/contact-us/
I hope you've managed to access your tests since you posted your comment, I've only just read this article now.
Rajesh and all,
Check out TestVita dot com. We offer 5 primary question types, 3 advanced types and 2 group types. All the more, you get your own sub-domain, build ur own content or license it from others etc.
-Amrudesh
I recommend www.simplevle.com because it is totally free and has only one advertisement before you login and one ad after you login for the instructor only. No ads are present after the students login. And the admin will actually take your suggestions and implement them if they are reasonable! They have a lot of extras however the tests are only multiple choice and true or false at this time. That is the only downside if you ask me.
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