[SEC508] Timed Test Alert

["Larry G. Hull" <Larry.G.Hull@nasa.gov>]

I was asked whether there might be a way to provide an alert to the 
user with AT that time is running out for an on-line timed test. This 
is obviously related to but not the same as (p) When a timed response 
is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to 
indicate more time is required.

The individual went on to say, "When taking timed tests on-line, I've 
always seen a running clock in the area (the one where URLs are 
displayed) at the bottom of the browser.  I recently attempted to 
take such a test via JAWS, but I never once heard any reference to 
the amount of time remaining (granted, that could have been due to my 
lack of experience with JAWS' advanced features)."

I did a quick Web search and located some interesting information 
concerning the Canadian Personnel Psychology Centre's Online Tests 
System at
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/ppc/online_test_manual_part7_e.htm
but it doesn't really address the question.

An analogy is the test proctor who tells the student they have 5 
minutes to finish up. The alert is independent, parallel, and (to me 
at least) minimally disruptive. Frankly, I've no idea how to 
accomplish the equivalent on-line (i.e., an alert to the AT user) 
short of a major disruption, e.g., a forced switch to a pop-up window 
with the announcement, and that would also affect/distract the non-AT 
using test takers albeit perhaps not as severely.

Can anyone suggest a technique for providing a minimally disruptive 
alert for AT users taking an on-line timed test?

Regards,

Larry

Permanent email address:  Larry.G.Hull@nasa.gov

Business address:         NASA
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Accessibility Engineer, Advanced Architectures and Automation Branch
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