FSL Test On-line
As of October 2009, FSL, Part I (EDUC-1515) is being offered on-line via the Blackboard CE learning management system. Those who intend to register for FSL, Part I will also be able to take their proficiency test via this platform. It is absolutely essential that candidates wishing to do the test on-line provide the Registrar's Office with an e-mail address so they can receive information about proctoring, the test's availability period and how to log in.
The on-line FSL proficiency test is presented as a ‘course’ on Blackboard and is made available to test takers for specific weeks during the testing period. Each section of the test is timed separately.
Description of Test
- LISTENING: candidates will listen to an interview and provide a written composition to demonstrate comprehension and writing skills
- READING: candidates will read short passages and answer multiple choice questions
- ERROR CORRECTION: candidates will be provided with a passage and be required to correct the language errors
- SPEAKING: candidates will respond to a serious of questions by recording their answers in a voice mail message.
Proctors
In order to maintain the integrity of the testing process, on-line candidates for FSL, Part I must find a proctor to observe them while they do the test. Proctors may be a Principal, a Vice-Principal, a certified teacher or a university faculty member. Prospective proctors must complete the Proctor Confirmation Form and fax it directly to the Registrar’s Office before the candidate takes the test.
Proctor Confirmation Form [20 KB] -This form is for the FSL, Part I AQ course only.
Test Locations
Candidates and their proctors can determine a test location that suits them. Please indicate the selected location on the Proctor Confirmation Form.
Technical Requirements
The test can be taken on a Mac or Windows computer system that has speakers. Headphones may also be used. You will also need telephone access for one portion of the test.
Candidates must know how to create accented characters. It is strongly recommended that candidates test this ahead of time using the same system you will be using for the on-line test. If using a standard desktop system, then the .pdf files posted below can be helpful.
Using Laptops
However, if the computer is a laptop, it is essential that you know how to activate the laptop’s special characters feature. How this works varies depending on the make and model of the laptop. If you do not know how to do this with the laptop you plan to use, an on-line search should call up this information. Once you have found it, TEST the system’s method of generating the characters. You do not want to discover that the instructions do not produce the desired results after you have started your test.
NOTE: The ONLY resource that candidates may use during the test is a list of keyboard codes that create accents. You may download and print out the list from the links at the bottom of this page.
After Registration
Once you have paid for your test, you will receive an e-mail message that provides direction on how to log in and when the test will become available. It is strongly recommended that you test the log in credentials as soon as possible, using the system you plan to use for the test. Once logged in, please run the Check Browser utility to ensure that this system can successfully interact with Blackboard CE. This utility tests a number of browser settings and indicates if any aspects need to be addressed. The only item which can be safely ignored is the 'unvalidated browser' declaration.
As well, all candidates for the on-line test are enrolled in the “FSL Exam - Demo”. This is actually a course set up in Blackboard which allows you to determine if the system you plan to use can interact successfully with the various portions of the on-line proficiency test. Please explore this demo to ensure that you can hear the audio, interact with a quiz and insert special characters. You may test any portion of the demo as many times as you wish.
Please forward any technology-related questions to the Online Learning Office (1-705-474-3450 x.4182/4279).
