How do I enable test taker tools and accessibility tools?

This articles summarizes how test taker and accessibility tools are enabled.

Test taker tools

Test taker tools are enabled when assembling a test in the TAO Authoring tool (Content Bank). The Test-taker Tools comprise a set of tools designed to aid the Test-taker in various ways when taking Tests.

1. Select the test for which the test-taker tools are to be configured from the Test Library on the left, and click on Authoring.

Test-taker tools can be configured either for a whole section of a test, or on a per-item basis. To configure the tools for a whole section, on the Canvas click on the cog wheels to the right of the section in question. To configure the tools for an individual item, click on the cog wheels to the right of the item in question.

In each case, the test-taker tools will appear in the Properties panel on the right.

2. Check the boxes next to each of the test-taker tools you wish to activate (if you wish to enable scratchpad, see below).

Any test-takers taking the test will have access to the selected tools, for the sections or items specified.

The following tools are available:

Calculator: TAO provides three different calculators: a simple one, a BODMAS, functioning according to the BODMAS rule, and a scientific version, for solving science, engineering and mathematical problems. If you select multiple calculators, only the most complex variety will be used.

Answer Eliminator: The Answer Eliminator allows the test-taker to eliminate answers in Choice interactions. This is useful if there is a long list of answer choices, and the test-taker has a learning disability.

Answer Masking: Answer Masking allows the test-taker to mask and unmask answers in choice interactions

Area Masking: Area Masking allows the test-taker to mask parts of the item with a movable mask.

Highlighter: The Highlighter allows the test-taker to highlight parts of the text in an item.

Line Reader: The Line Reader allows the test-taker to visually isolate a line of text.

Magnifier: The Magnifier provides the test-taker with a movable magnifier tool.

Zoom Tool:  The Zoom Tool allows the test-taker to zoom in on an area of an item.

Scratchpad: This option provides the test-taker with a place to make notes, in the form of a Scratchpad. To enable scratchpad, complete the following steps:

1. Click on the cog wheels of a specific item. 
2. In the Properties Panel under Categories, enter x-tao-option-scratchpad. 

Accessibility tools

Accessibility tools are enabled when creating or editing a session. 

• Zoom: Allows test takers to zoom in to any area of the screen.

• Contrast theme: Helps test takers distinguish text and other elements of an interaction using color contrast.

• Custom pointer: Allows test takers to customize their pointer to suit their needs.

• Text font and spacing: Allows test takers to change the font and spacing of the text in an interaction.

• Read aloud: When enabled, this tool acts as a screen reader in the defined language of the current question. By default, this option is content based and will be available only during specific interactions.