Learn about an alternative data collection solution that offers the convenience of paper testing and immediate data of computer based testing with significant cost savings.

1. WHEN BUDGETS ARE TIGHT
Using Triton Data Collection System to Reduce Scanning Costs
Introduction
The headline is all too common: Schools budgets are shrinking and schools are looking for new ways to reduce their
costs. While Federal and state governments continue to reduce school funding, parents and school boards are asking
for more programs while student enrollment increases. All of this is in addition to the mandatory testing requirements
that strain already tight budgets. It is imperative that schools find ways to become cost-effective and efficient in an era
of diminishing budgets and strict guidelines.
Educational technology has quickly become a necessary area in any school budget. It is essential for school boards
and administration to spend money on technologies that increase student learning, achievement, motivation and
engagement without distracting the students. For decades, states and districts have continued to spend gross amounts
of money, time and effort on non-technological advancements. Bubble sheets and scanners have a recurring cost and
throughout their process can lead to mistakes, irregularities and wasted time.
Scanning Is Costly
At first glance, a typical high-stakes assessment would not seem expensive; a pencil, bubble sheet and scanner are all
that are needed. However, the Assessment Solution Group conducted a study and concluded that the “typical” high-
stakes assessment is far from cheap. In their study of higher education, they found that delivering and scoring a typical
22 item paper-based assessment costs over $1.50 per evaluation (assuming labor costs are $15 per hour). The typical
student takes five classes per semester with one final and one evaluation, for a total usage of 10 bubble sheets. Based
on this average, a higher education institution with 10,000 students will spend over $150,000 per semester on paper-
based examinations. This cost is typically higher in public school settings where more bubble sheet tests are given.
There is a more reliable, efficient, safer way to conduct these assessments that will drastically cut these costs.
Paper-based testing requires expensive scanners to read the results and can be error prone. When they are not being
used to read bubble sheets, they sit idly on the counter not affecting student learning, achievement or engagement.
Many districts have considered – and in some cases are being forced to – move to computer-based testing.
Unfortunately, they struggle with the scalability and cost constraints of implementing computers. Many simply cannot
afford expensive computer labs or the infrastructure that is needed to support it.
Turning Technologies has spent more than two years researching, field-testing and working with partners to adapt the
company’s patented data collection protocols to create a system that applies the best of paper-based and computer-
based testing while improving the reliability of both methods.
Triton Advantages
Triton Data Collection System offers benefits that significantly reduce the cost of testing per student and maximizes the
use of the ResponseCard NXT clicker. In light of the current fiscal constraints faced by many organizations, it is a solution
that reduces the costs associated with bubble sheet examinations and evaluations and can also have significant return
on investment.
Turning Technologies’ testing history with Triton expands nationally and includes hundreds of sites with thousands of
participants, across multiple markets and states. The solution includes three components: a central administration Triton
Web portal, Triton Receiver with Proctor Application and the ResponseCard NXT clicker. Results indicated:
• Proctors prepared in less than 15 minutes
• Participant prepared in less than 5 minutes by means of a practice exam
• 100% success rate in data collection and transfer

2. • 100% accuracy of item response data
• Over 2 million responses captured and submitted for scoring
• Users preferred test administration using Triton 3.5 times more than computer-based testing and 9 times more
than paper-based testing
The overwhelmingly positive experience has solidified the market need for the Turning Technologies’ Triton Data
Collection System. The system is a tested solution providing encrypted digital answer submission, redundant backup
and immediacy of data transmission, all while being easy-to-use for the participants and proctors.
Everyday Solution
Turning Technologies provides software that allows teachers to collect feedback from students for everyday formative
assessments with the same Responsecard NXT that is used for summative high-stakes testing, therefore maximizing
return on investment and time. The dynamic and engaging learning environments will keep students focused and
guarantee 100% participation in classroom activities. Technology integrations with popular learning solutions make
Turning Technologies the student response system needed to easily create content and collect student achievement
data. Turning Technologies’ student response systems integrate with existing classroom technology such as
whiteboards, assessment items, data and learning management systems and online gradebooks. Turning Technologies
provides educators, parents and students with a cost-effective, easy-to-use assessment delivery and data collection
solution that can be used throughout the entire academic career.