April 20th, 2010
Data collection, particularly for knowledge assessment, can be horribly expensive, horribly over-complicated, and/or horribly inadequate. Let someone else figure it out for you…
Hot Potatoes
http://hotpot.uvic.ca/
Impressive assessment builder program. Actually a batch of programs to build several types of assessment, including a crossword puzzle builder, and click-and-drag style matching games. Runs anywhere on a Java Virtual Machine. Also comes in Windows-only builds for easier use. CJ Favorite
LimeSurvey
http://www.limesurvey.org/
Surveying software. Can be pressed into service as a test generating tool with minimal effort. Language support, highly configurable output. Works on most OSes.
RubiStar
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
Software as a service. Online tool for building lesson and course rubrics. Part of a much larger set of tools for teachers. Most of the content here leans towards academic teaching environments, but there are still many resources on this website worth exploring, even for commercial trainers.
SurveyMonkey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/
Software as a service. Surveying application, which could easily be used as a testing platform. Excellent reporting capabilities make this a real pleasure to work with. Open platform, web browser based.