2016 Conference Agenda

Tuesday, August 2
2:00 pm 6:00 pm Registration
Wednesday, August 3
8:00 am 5:00 pm Registration
8:30 am 3:00 pm Sponsor Workshops
3:30 pm 4:30 pm Concurrent Sessions 1
4:45 pm 5:45 pm Concurrent Sessions 2
6:00 pm 7:30 pm Welcome Reception/Cash Bar
TBD Dinner Groups: sign up at the hospitality table!
Thursday, August 4
7:30 am 8:30 am Buffet Breakfast
8:00 am 5:00 pm Registration (closed during lunch)
8:15 am 9:30 am President’s Welcome/Opening Session
9:45 am 10:45 am Concurrent Sessions 3
11:00 am 12 noon Concurrent Sessions 4
12:15 pm 2:00 pm Keynote Speaker Luncheon
2:15 pm 3:15 pm Concurrent Sessions 5
3:30 pm 5:00 pm Concurrent Sessions 6
5:15 pm 6:30 pm President’s Volunteer Reception
TBD Dinner Groups: sign up at the hospitality table!
Friday, August 5
  Breakfast on your own
8:00 am 5:00 pm Registration (closed during lunch)
8:30 am 9:15 am NCTA Resources Fair
9:00 am 4:00 pm Exhibitors’ Fair
9:30 am 10:30 am Concurrent Sessions 7
10:45 am 11:45 am Concurrent Sessions 8
12 noon 1:30 pm 2017 Conference Promotion Luncheon
1:45 pm 2:45 pm Concurrent Sessions 9
2:45 pm 3:15 pm Ice Cream Break/Visit Exhibitors’ Fair
3:15 pm 4:45 pm Concurrent Sessions 10
Saturday, August 6
  Breakfast on your own
8:30 am 9:30 am Concurrent Sessions 11
9:45 am 10:45 am Concurrent Sessions 12
11:00 am 12:30 pm Closing Panel Discussion and Farewell Lunch
1:00 pm 6:00 pm Governing Council Meeting (Guests Welcome)
 

2016 Virtual Conference FAQ

Click here to download a PDF Virtual Conference FAQ.

 

Connect And Learn

Never miss the NCTA Annual Conference again! If budget concerns and increasing workloads are keeping you from traveling this year, make plans to attend the NCTA Virtual Conference. With just a few clicks, the virtual option allows participants to:

  • Live stream and attend a hand-picked selection of sessions covering the most important topics to attendees
  • Connect and create a community with other members of the virtual audience
  • Participate in the Q & A of all live streamed sessions by submitting questions in real time
  • Engage with other attendees via the conference app

Those who register for the virtual conference will also have access to the sessions via a recorded archive for up to one year after the conference. If you are not able to view all of the sessions in real time, you will be able to view the entire package at your convenience at a later date.

Selected sessions on Thursday, August 4, will be recorded and made available for viewing after the conference. On Friday, August 5, the selected sessions will be broadcast live as well as recorded for later viewing. The content in the post-conference archive will also include the keynote speaker's address and the president's address.

Ready to Register?

This year we're offering two different ways to register for the virtual conference:

As a stand-alone registration
  • Members: $150
  • Non-Members: $300
  • Complete the Virtual Conference Registration Form no later than August 3, 2016. Any registrations completed after July 22, 2016 must be paid for using a debit or credit card.
As an add-on when registering for on-site attendance
  • Members & Non-Members: $75
  • If you haven't yet registered for on-site attendance, complete the Conference Registration Form before July 15, 2016, and indicate that you wish to purchase the add-on.
  • If you've already registered for on-site attendance, you can complete the Virtual Conference Registration Form before August 3, 2016. Any add-on of the virtual conference completed after July 22, 2016 must be paid for using a debit or credit card.
    • Note: NCTA members will automatically receive the add-on rate, but non-members should contact Francesca Taylor after registering so that the discount can be applied.

Have Questions?

Take a look at our Virtual Conference FAQ. If you don't see the answer there, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

 

2016 Keynote: Re-Imagining Testing

Rhonda D. Blackburn, PhD
Vice President and Chief Academic Officer for LoudCloud Systems Inc., a Barnes and Noble Education Company

Over the past decade, change has been inevitable. What does this mean for testing centers and administrators? How does distance education impact this change? Join Dr. Rhonda Blackburn in re-imagining what testing should look like. Together we will look at the roles prior learning assessments, distance education, placement tests, proctoring, and more play in today's academic environment and what we all need to do to be prepared and to capitalize on these changes.

Dr. Blackburn has been working in academia for the pasts 20+ years as a teacher, administrator, trainer, and consultant. Now she takes that experience and applies that knowledge to make her clients successful in their eLearning goals and initiatives. As the Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, she helps clients create competency-based programs that allow the students to track their learning and move through a curriculum at a pace that meets the students' needs and learning experiences and enhances on-ground and online courses through the use of technology and learning outcomes assessment. She is also focused on developing a strong learning community and making sure all clients are positioned to be successful in their implementation and use of LoudCloud technology.

Prior to LoudCloud, Dr. Blackburn was the Associate Provost of Educational Enhancement at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her office covered faculty development, instructional technology, distance education, media/video services, and classroom experience. Within this capacity, she supported faculty on helping them develop well designed courses, both traditional and online. She also guided her staff in understanding technology and how it can be used effectively in a classroom setting. She spearheaded the redesign and integration of technology into the classrooms throughout the campus. Through research on the classroom experience, she was able to show how faculty development, the right technology and classroom materials, could improve student retention and learning. She conducted workshops, departmental trainings, and one-on-one consultations with faculty and support staff across campus and developed a Teaching Academy Certification, which helped faculty and teaching assistance understand the art of teaching.

Dr. Blackburn currently teaches a graduate online course at the University of Maryland University College. In addition to these courses, she has taught additional graduate, undergraduate, community college, continuing education, and high school courses since 1989 in face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities. In all of her courses she utilizes technology to enhance the learning experience for the students.

Dr. Blackburn received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. She is also actively involved with numerous associations focused on lifelong learning including the Texas Distance Learning Association as past-president, United States Distance Learning Association as a board member, and National Universities Technology Network as chair-elect of the board.

 

2016 Sponsor Workshops

On Wednesday, August 3, several of NCTA's sponsors will host workshops throughout the day for interested attendees. These workshops are designed to allow NCTA members to gain additional information and insights on selected products and processes. While some of the workshops are identified as "by invitation only" (meaning that the sponsor will contact prospective participants), others permit registration for their workshops by contacting a designated representative.

In addition, on Thursday, August 4, two additional sponsor workshops will be presented during the course of the day.

In conjunction with the rest of the conference, these workshops are an additional means of enhancing your professional development. Select those that interest you, but be aware that some sessions are offered at overlapping times.

PAN - Performance Assessment Network
Wednesday, 8:30 am–9:30 am

Old & New - Firm, but Gentle

This workshop will cover the traditional and newer ways that testing centers across the nation are profiting with PAN; from proctored testing to training and consulting, and the evolution of our newest offering—the "Am I Job Ready?" platform for soft skills and professional readiness.

With each passing year, employers increasingly feel that college graduates and young professionals lack the 21st Century skills critical for success in tomorrow’s workplace. Despite being digital natives, Generation Z seems to struggle applying their "soft skills" to the real world. How can we help close the skills gap while improving the potential culture fit for the next generation? Will being firm but gentle work? Join us in an exploration of hard data and soft skills.

Email Maure Baker to register.

Smarter Services
Wednesday, 8:30 am–9:30 am

SmarterProctoring — Proctoring Process Management

A true proctoring process management system streamlines the entire proctoring process from beginning to end across an institution regardless of the modality (Testing Center, Virtual, Automated, Individual, etc) of proctor chosen by the student. This includes but is not limited to scheduling, instructor feedback, admin controls, and reporting. This workshop will focus on the necessary key components for a proctoring process management system to be effective and successful.

Castle Worldwide
Wednesday, 9:45 am–10:45 am

Tailwind Placement Exams – A Solid, Comprehensive and Reliable Placement Testing Solution to Consider

Moderator: Scott Greene, Castle
Panelists: From the University of Wisconsin: Jim Wollack, Sonya Sedivy and Tim O'Connor
From Castle: Patrick Flynn, Julie Gill, and Katrina Simmons

This workshop is designed to assist you as you evaluate potential Placement Testing solutions for your campus. This presentation will provide a brief overview of Tailwind Placement Exams followed by a panel discussion and Q & A session.

During this workshop you will gain a good understanding of the unique value and benefits of Tailwind Placement Exams. You will learn how the solution works as it was designed to be both comprehensive in content yet easy to use and deliver. You will also learn how the solution handles key concerns like test security and test accommodations, as well as learn about the reliability of both the exams and the delivery options. At any time, you will be able to ask the questions that are pertinent to your unique situation.

Tailwind Placement Exams is a partnership between the University of Wisconsin and Castle, which brings the comprehensive and highly successful University of Wisconsin System placement testing program to the national higher education market. The University of Wisconsin has been developing, validating, and using its own placement exams for nearly 40 years with its diverse four-year and two-year campus system. For the past two years, the University has been seamlessly delivering the placement tests globally via Castle's premier Internet-based test delivery engine. The goal of this partnership is to offer these placement tests to post-secondary institutions around the country. Institutions will be allowed to choose from Castle's three flexible delivery options in order to best fit their needs.

No registration necessary.

ETS
Wednesday, 9:45 am–10:45 am

This workshop is for Test Administrators that deliver ETS tests in their current testing environment. The information presented will pertain to ETS testing programs and covers updates, changes and new information.

Registration by invitation only.

RegisterBlast
Wednesday, 11:00 am–12 noon

Getting students scheduled fast. Anytime. Anywhere.

The landscape of online learning has changed dramatically in just a few short years. The ability to extend our knowledge is only a touchscreen away. Academic institutions have begun to heavily embrace the online experience with online courses, student social networks, and registration services. As the value of an established web presence increases so does the need for tools to help make the connection between you and your students. RegisterBlast has been helping academic institutions get students scheduled online since 2003. Over the years we have added many features that extend the reach of the platform to make the scheduling process faster and easier for both the institution and the student. If you need to schedule course examinations, orientation events, or even tutoring sessions, we have the tools to help.

During this session at NCTA, we will be showcasing our redesigned scheduling experience. Over the last few months we've been hard at work, looking for ways to simplify and improve the experience between the student and the institution. All of the same great features we've provided over the years streamlined and enhanced. A completely responsive design, mobile friendly interaction, and custom branding are just a few of the new features we want to share with you. We think we're on to something and we cant wait to show you.

Email Dwight Pittman to register.

Pearson VUE
Wednesday, 11:00 am–12 noon

Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Answers to frequently asked questions about the GED® Test.

The 2014 GED® Program continues to deliver on its promise to help adult learners earn the GED® credential as the vehicle to dreams and opportunities. Attend this session to hear the answers to the most often asked questions about all facets of the GED® Test and 2014 GED® Program.

Email Brenda Aubin to register.

LSAC
Wednesday, 12:45 pm–1:45 pm

Education Workshop - Session 1

As part of LSAC's ongoing research into electronic delivery options, we will provide attendees with a hands-on experience, including the opportunity to set up the digital equipment and administer the test using our newly designed test delivery system.

To be included, please email Lisa Cherkassky.

Prometric
Wednesday, 12:45 pm–1:45 pm

Learn about the variety of opportunities to participate in the Prometric testing network. During this session you can learn about the Washington Home Health Care Aide exam and other Nurse Aide exams which combines computer based testing along with a practical exam in a nursing home environment. We will also discuss opportunities to deliver a variety of paper & pencil exams with our On Demand Testing department.

Many colleges and universities already deliver the DSST exams but how many accept them for credit? Stop by to learn how institutions can provide your students the opportunity to gain college credit through the DSST- GetCollegeCredit.com program.

No registration necessary.

LSAC
Wednesday, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm

Education Workshop - Session 2

As part of LSAC's ongoing research into electronic delivery options, we will provide attendees with a hands-on experience, including the opportunity to set up the digital equipment and administer the test using our newly designed test delivery system.

To be included, please email Lisa Cherkassky.

Certiport
Wednesday, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm

Our presentation will be going over the Value of Certification and how it applies to different programs in higher education. For instance Microsoft Office for business, Quickbooks for Finance, Autodesk for engineering & Adobe for design.

Email John Reseska to register.

College Board
Wednesday, 3:30 pm–4:30 pm

This special session will provide testing administrators an opportunity learn more about the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER assessments, differences from the Classic ACCUPLACER assessments, and preliminary details around adoption and transition to Next-Generation ACCUPLACER. The ACCUPLACER Outreach team will be available to answer questions around both Classic and Next-Generation, plus discuss upcoming platform enhancements designed to benefit all users.

Please RSVP to Chantel Reynolds with your complete contact information.

McGraw-Hill Education / ALEKS
Thursday, 11:00 am–12:00 noon

Iowa Central Community College's Success Rates after the Implementation of ALEKS PPL for Placement

Prior to ACT's announcement of the final administrative date for Compass, Iowa Central Community College entered into a pilot project with the ALEKS Corporation to use ALEKS PPL for placement. This presentation will look at the transition from using Compass and Accuplacer for placement to using ALEKS PPL for placement. We will look at the success rates for both developmental math courses and college level math courses. We will also look at the success rates for traditional and nontraditional students. Additionally, we will look at how the Math Department motivates students to take placement seriously.

Register here: https://mcgrawhill.wufoo.com/forms/ncta-aleks-ppl-workshop/

ACT
Thursday, 3:30 pm–5:00 pm

Test Security 201

This interactive session will give attendees the opportunity to learn about current events in the testing industry, and how ACT is addressing test security risks. Attendees will also learn more about test security professionals' daily work, and what happens when we have a concern about the validity of a test score. Attendees will share with one another how they handle various test security situations, and will have a chance to participate in a friendly competition about test security topics.

No registration necessary..

 
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