How I Use It
I use Quia as practice assignments for students to complete during the course of a unit and then use it to test at the end of each unit.
For my tests, each student receives a different randomized test from questions within the labels I select to include on the test. This means I can include spiral review on EACH unit exam without any extra work on my part. Since tests are randomized, I no longer have students do test corrections nor do I have to write two or more different tests so students can re-test. Now, I just let students take each unit test up to 3 times, and I take their best score. In order to re-take the test, students must first meet with me to discuss mistakes made on the prior attempt.
I secure my tests by having a "secret word" that I change daily before students are allowed access to the test. I can set time limits for the test. I can choose what I want Quia to show students once they have finished the test (nothing, wrong answers, or wrong answers along with the correct answer identified.)
I set individual settings for my ELL and SpEd students on IEP's. I can allow additional attempts on the test, extended time on the test, and the ability to save for later.
All-In-All an absolltely amazing product...and only $49 per school year!
My Take
I think Quia is the best testing and practice tool I have ever seen. Better than Edusoft, DataDirector, or IntelAsess!
Allows you to provide students questions that have been tagged with one or more labels (think standards, or units, or concepts), randomized distribution of those questions, and a variety of ways to present those questions to students. EASY to create your own questions, but even better...questions can be shared between teachers.
You can create tests or quizzes, but you can also create flashcards or games for review. All tests and quizzes can be differentiated for individual students and lots of data can be viewed after students complete an assignment or test/quiz.