Hi

We do get Word files sent through from Policy at C&G for Functional Skill tests.  Speak to Prashant in the Policy dept.  He is always really helpful with me.

It is a bit of a pain to get this... We have to book the on demand tests via Walled Garden, in the usual way & process the access arrangement through their online system .  We then email both the exam booking & the access arrangement reference numbers to Policy requesting an "electronic copy" of the exam papers for these learners who need to use screen readers.  We then receive the exam paper & source documents, on CD, via post, the day before the test.  

Jayne 

-----Original Message-----
From: The FE Exams Network mailing list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kate Oliver
Sent: 19 February 2014 14:49
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Read/Write Gold

Hi Shirley

Well it's supposed to be able to read PDF files but according to everyone here it can't.  Not sure if they don't know how to use the system but one of the Learning Support team who is quite knowledgeable says that when you scan/link the PDF file to RWG it won't read it aloud but it does read out Word files which the student has used for his main programme and assignments.

If C & G were a little more helpful it wouldn't be so bad but their Policy Dept are useless.  They never email/ring back, they never do what they promise and never follow up on "complex" applications.  Even their Customer Service team couldn't get an answer out of them.

I applied for access arrangements for 2 high level need students and waited and waited for the approval and finally got through to them and their response was "oh yes they've been approved".  Am I Mystic Meg and supposed to know this without any confirmation!!!

Kate
________________________________________
From: The FE Exams Network mailing list [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Shirley Westall [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 19 February 2014 14:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Read/Write Gold

Kate,

I'm going to ask a very basic question, why do you need to have word files? I thought the idea of RWG was that it "read" pdf files.

We are going to trial RWG this spring and summer so very interested in this topic.

Regards

Shirley

Mrs Shirley Westall
Examinations Manager
New College
New College Drive
Swindon
SN3 1AH

E: [log in to unmask]
T: 01793732876
M: 07815828323
F: 01793496355

-----Original Message-----
From: Kate Oliver [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 19 February 2014 14:30
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Read/Write Gold

Hi Lynsey

We have one student who uses Read/Write Gold and C & G have been a nightmare with it for FS Reading exam.  This is the first time we've used a specific software for an exam situation.

We cannot use the SecureAssess system linked to RWG as it just isn't compatible.  The online system isn't suitable for the student as due to his medical condition his reading ability has diminished over the past year.  We did Entry level exams with him with enlarged papers but for L1 with the volume of reading he needs to use RWG

I was of the understanding that the RWG system is supposed to be able to convert PDF files to Word but Learning Support and IS have had major issues with this insofar as they can't get it to do this....it could be them....or it could be the software.

I have asked C & G 3 times for Word based sample files for Reading so we can test these out with the software and the learner and I'm still waiting!!!!  They claim they can only currently do PDF files and are working on Word files for sample exams and live ones.  I've escalated it up to our Business Manager and the Regional Manager but still waiting!!!  I can't believe they cannot provide a word based electronic exam for such a situation.

Surely it cannot be that hard.  I thought there was generic software programmes available to convert PDF to Word.

The poor kid only has to do his Reading exam to complete his FS English course as he was allowed a "human" reader for the Writing exam.

Anyone out there got any ideas?

Kate

Kate Oliver
Examinations Manager
West Thames College
020 8326 2298

________________________________________
From: The FE Exams Network mailing list [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Lynsey Graham [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 19 February 2014 13:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Read/Write Gold

Hi everyone,

Onto my second query.....  We are investigating options of electronic reading software and the one identified last year by the usual Exams Manager was Read/Write Gold.  I gather it could be a very useful tool but there may be concerns over the practicality of using it in the Exams Office due to the extra scanning work required, as we are a large FE College and this impact could be significant.  Could I please ask if:


a)      Any of you use Read/Write Gold and what your experiences are with it.

b)      What other electronic reading software has been generally found the most appropriate for busy exams offices.

Any advice/guidance would be most appreciated.

Many thanks,

Lynsey Graham
Exams Manager - Maternity Leave
01634 383638

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