1. Welcome to ‘An introduction to using online Language Assessments’
The webinar will start
promptly at 3:45pm.

2. Introducing Language Assessments
Victorian Curriculum F-10 and Languages Units
ACER

3. PRESENTERS VCAA F-10 Unit: Craig Smith Languages Unit: Maree Dellora
ACER
Fusae Nojima: Project Director
Scott Haines: Online Support Coordinator

4. Contents Overview Background Introducing the language assessments
Web tour language assessments
How to register
Contacts

5. Go to poll
Who has registered to use the Language Assessment resources?
If so, which Language?
Has anyone used them with their class?

6. Overview
The Language assessments are a free online resource for teachers
They are available in eight languages (Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Modern Greek, Spanish)
They provide quick, formative assessments of students receptive skills of listening and reading

7. Overview The Language assessments are suitable for levels 5-6 onward
can be used any time, but probably better to use earlier in the year and retest later in the year
are low-stakes assessments for teacher use only
provide student results immediately.

8. Background
The Language assessments were developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
They were based on ACER’s ALC tests, which in turn were aligned to Australian Curriculum
They have been further modified by ACER to meet the needs of Victorian Language teachers

9. Who is ACER?
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation established in Australia.
ACER undertakes commissioned research and development and develops and distributes a wide range of products and services.

10. Introducing the Language Assessments
Online suite of assessments in eight languages
Aligned to Victorian Curriculum F-10 Languages
Available to all Victorian schools at no cost

11. Introducing the Language Assessments
The language assessments consist of separate Reading and Listening assessments, with three levels of difficulty
Indication of where the language assessments align with the curriculum, but teachers have the flexibility to decide which assessments they wish to use.
Teachers are strongly urged to preview the tests before using them

12. Introducing the Language Assessments
Multiple-choice format
Assess receptive skills only
Automatic scoring
Interactive online reports

13. Introducing the Language Assessments
Suitable for F-10 or 7-10 sequence, for levels 5-6 onwards
Available on demand ie teachers decide when they wish to use them and how often
For individual teachers to use, data to support their teaching

14. Web tour
Demonstration of an online test

15. Administering a Test
Accessible on all types of devices; Windows (IE/Firefox/Chrome) or Mac (Safari/Firefox/Chrome) or iPad (Safari) or Android tablets
Student responses are saved as they move from question to question
The system logs start and end time, but does not lock automatically
Headphones are required for the Listening tests

16. Why use language assessments?
Useful diagnostic tool
Snapshot of student progress in listening and reading
Online bank of test items available any time
Results provided immediately to the teacher

17. Questions

18. How to register
Go to either the VCAA website and follow the link to ACER’s registration page
Or go directly to the ACER page

19. How to register Complete and submit the registration form.
You will receive login details via from the ACER once your registration is approved (may take up to 5 business days).

20. What happens after registration?
Once you log in to your account, you can start using your account immediately.
Create students*
Assign tests
Log in
*Students already in
your account?

21. Log in
Use the login details ed by ACER.
Click “Students”. 

22. Create students Individually Bulk import (via Template)
Candidate information:
Name / DOB / Gender / Username / Password / Year Level
Note: password can be the same for all students

23. Assign tests
VCAA will provide an indication of where the language assessments align with the curriculum but teachers have the flexibility to decide which test they wish to use to assess their students listening and/or reading skills, and at what level of difficulty.

24. Assign tests
Teachers are strongly urged to preview the tests beforehand and to make a judgement which test is appropriate for their students.
To Preview a test:
Go to Students page
Click on Tests > Preview
Select Language and Form
Click Preview

25. How to administer a Test
Tests are designed to help teachers not only to find out what students know and can do, but also to map where a student’s current knowledge ends
There will be more instructions included for teachers administering tests, but two key points to emphasise are that for multi-choice tests like these it’s important to encourage students to attempt all questions.
However, if students do not know the answer it is better for them to skip the question rather than to make a random guess.

26. Reports
Reports are available immediately after students complete their test
Go to Students page
Select one or more students
Click Generate Report
Select Language area
Select Group Report
Select Test Form
Specify a date range

27. Help Page User Guide account set up instructions video demonstrations
Language assessments
FAQs
Recommended levels
Audio transcripts

28. Questions
Final questions

29. Support to get started
If you have any questions about how to register, create student lists, assign tests or any other questions how to get started, please contact: ACER Helpdesk T E.

30. Curriculum support for Languages
For advice regarding the F-10 curriculum, contact VCAA F-10 Unit: E. T For advice on Languages, contact Maree Dellora, Manager, Languages Unit E. T