IPods are being raffled off to Sacramento State students to encourage participation in a voluntary test to collect data that will be used to create another test that eventually may be mandatory in order to complete graduation.

A collaboration of universities from across the country and Educational Testing Service, best known for developing the SATs, have come together to develop the current test.

The test is a step in the development of a future test that Educational Testing Service and participating colleges are hoping to complete by January 2006.

The test is being developed with the intention of its becoming a graduation requirement, not only for Sac State but also for many other participating universities.

The test is part of the National Higher Education Information and Communication Technology Initiative. Educational Testing Service and the universities have collaborated to create the Information and Communication Technology Literacy Assessment.

The current tests have been in progress since Feb. 26 and are being issued almost daily at various times in the Mendocino Hall 2007 computer lab.

Test participants complete up to a two-and-a-half hour process, answering various scenario questions, using a simulated Internet environment developed by the test administrators.

“If you were buying a car, you would kick the wheels and make sure you’re getting the best deal for your money,” said Linda Goff, head of the instructional services for Sac State’s library. “We want to make sure (students are) getting the best of their information gathered.”

The test measures an individual’s information and communication technology literacy.

Students who participate in the testing receive a $25 gift certificate from giftcertificates.com, as well as an estimated one in 50 chance of winning an iPod in a raffle.

Sac State has a goal of 203 participants, with its current count at around 150. The testing period has been extended to April 11 from its original end date of March 18.

Nationwide, the test developers hope to have 8,000 students participate.

“Some days (turnouts) are good, others are slow,” said T.J. Gorton, a library assistant.This test is unique in its design as it views only how students get from the answer to the question, rather than the typical format of technology tests that are given in multiple-choice form.

Anthony Giovanini can be reached at [email protected]