NCS Optical Mark Reader Program - Policy >

Introduction

The CTE recently acquired the OpScan(R) 5 Optical Mark Reader from National Computer Systems (NCS). It is capable of scanning 300 forms per load with a high level of accuracy. The scanner is able to distinguish erased responses from multiple responses more reliably. In addition to being faster, more sensitive and more reliable, the scanner is now supported with ScanTools(R) and LXR--Test(R), powerful Windows based software for scoring tests and surveys. This document describes the general rules for scanner usage, the hours of operation, responsibilities of the user, and general form ordering instructions.

Forms

The OpScan 5 machine will read only NCS compatible forms. The old forms that were read by the Scantron machine cannot be read by the Opscan 5 machine. NCS compatible forms must be ordered either directly from NCS or from a vendor that produces NCS compatible forms. SSRL will not bear responsibility for incompatible forms ordered by users from sources other than NCS. Please confirm compatibility of the specialized form with the Manager, Social Science Research Lab before you place an order. The standard testing form should be used by departments/faculty if they wish to get reliable, timely and accurate scoring.

The "General Purpose Answer Sheet, Form# 16504" is the Standard Testing Form that should be used at American University for multiple choice tests. This form contains fields for names (first, last and middle initial), date of birth, ID number (up to 10 digits), gender, and a special grade or education field. In addition this form has 200 questions with 5 possible choices to each question. It is two sided and must be filled in with a #2 pencil as the Opscan 5 scanner will only read #2 pencil marks. All demographic fields are optional. However, students must fill in at least their names and ID numbers.

American University's purchasing office has been notified of this standard form, and central receiving will order these forms in bulk. To order Standard Testing Forms the department/faculty should submit a purchase requisition to University Purchasing with the following specifications:

  • Vendor: Central Receiving
  • Description: General Purpose Answer Sheets (NCS Form# 16504)
  • Unit Price: Approximately $23.65 per box (with 500 forms per box)

To design and order Customized Forms, users need to contact NCS directly at (800)735-2566. NCS Customer Service Representatives will help design the forms. Please ensure that you specify the scanner model (OpScan 5) and the Read Head type (0.166 Double-Sided Pencil-Only read head) when getting custom forms designed by NCS representatives.

Usage

The Opscan 5 scanner is located at the Social Science Research Lab, Hurst Hall (Room 203). It will be operated by the Manager or the Assistant Manager of Social Science Research Lab at all times, and therefore can only be used during regular office hours (10:00 am to 5:30 pm - Monday through Thursday and 12:00 noon to 5:30 PM - Friday). Depending on the size of the scanning request and the volume of requests being processed, the lab staff may require up to a week to complete a nonstandard request. All requests will require at least 24 hours to process and will be processed in the order that they are received. The scanner is used for two primary purposes: 1) To scan multiple choice tests and quizzes. 2) To scan surveys conducted for research purposes (all student evaluations are handled by the Registrar's Office).

 

  • Standard Tests

For standard tests the output generated by the software will include printed scores for the students (individual and group). Statistics can also be printed for each question as well as for the entire test. It is important to note that these calculations are based on equal weights for all the questions. If different weights are required to be assigned to different groups of questions, the job is considered a nonstandard test for which limited output is produced (see below).

 

  • Nonstandard Tests and Surveys

Nonstandard tests and forms as well as surveys are treated differently. If the department/faculty wishes to use a form other than NCS Form# 16504 or wishes to have tests with varying weights scanned, the output produced is very minimal, and the scores must be analyzed by the faculty themselves. For nonstandard tests and nonstandard forms, an ASCII text file is produced which can then be read into a variety of software and analyzed. OIT does not take responsibility for this analysis. Nonstandard tests and forms will require more than 24 hours to process. Similarly, for survey responses, no printed output is generated by the scanner. Only an ASCII text file is generated which can subsequently be read into and analyzed with other software. For surveys, however, the Social Science Research Lab does provide limited support with data analysis if it requires the use of university supported statistical applications. For nonstandard tests and for the analysis of surveys, please contact the manager of the lab at (202)885-3861.

Scanning Procedures

Faculty and Staff are urged to adhere to the procedures described below for timely and accurate processing of your requests.

  • Standard Tests

    For the scanning of standard tests (i.e. using the standard form described above and assigning equal weights to all the questions on the form) you will need to bring the completed forms to the Social Science Research Lab (Hurst Hall, Room 203) during office hours (see usage section above for hours). In addition, you need to provide one answer key to the test. All relevant bubbles on the answer key must be filled in by the user. Lab staff will not take responsibility of filling in correct responses on the answer key. You will also need to fill out a form at the Social Science Research Lab providing information such as the course number or course title, faculty name, department, semester, etc. Most completed scanned results will be made available for pick up within 24 hours. If a department or campus contact number is provided, lab staff will inform you of the completion of your scanning request. In instances where the scanning request requires more than 24 hours, estimation of the time required will be provided by lab staff.

     

  • Nonstandard Tests and Surveys

    Nonstandard tests and surveys will be processed by appointment only. Please contact the manager of the Social Science Research Lab at 202.885.3861 to set up the appointment.

For more information about the scanner or its usage please call the Social Science Research Lab at 202.885.3862 or visit the lab. We are located in Hurst Hall, Room 203.

Click to proceed to the NCS Optical Mark Reader Program order form (coming soon) - call for reservations 202.885.3862