Penn State has proposed a transformation of the basement of the Thomas Building into a secure online testing facility in an effort to provide new ways of actively testing learning.

The facility, which would replace an empty storage space, would allow students to take high-stakes tests.

High-stakes tests are examinations whose results have a greater bearing on the test taker.

They include class exams and tests like the Graduate Record Examinations (GREs), which could determine whether or not a student gets into graduate school.

Don Leslie, associate dean of undergraduate education, said the facility would provide a place for secure online testing to occur. It would secure the identity of the individuals taking the tests and decrease the ability of students to take tests in the place of other students, he added. However, specific methods used to ensure the identity of the individuals is still being discussed, he said.

Leslie said students would be permitted into the high-stakes testing facility only when their exam is scheduled there.

He added that the priority of scheduling would most likely be determined by the size of the class.

"I think you're going to see a revolution in online testing," Leslie said.

He said it is unrealistic to put a time limit on the proposal because the planning is still in its conceptual stages.

Deborah Blythe, director of facilities, resources and planning, said the money needed for the project will come from Penn State internally, rather than from a grant, though the total has not yet been determined.

"We've got the space," said Blythe, adding that it is now just a matter of planning and funding.

Blythe said the new facility would look like a big computing station, with a maximum of 200 learning stations. She said there would most likely be a waiting area as well, similar to that in a doctor's office and a place for students to sign in.

In about two or three months, Blythe said, a more concrete layout should be available, including a tentative budget.

She said the tests would still go through the University Testing Services.

"It's been a long-desired need," said Blythe, adding that the idea first arose seven or eight years ago.

Danny Shollenberger (junior-chemistry) said he was unsure about the proposal for the new testing facility.

"Everybody can figure out some way to cheat. And it puts you at a disadvantage because people read slower from a computer screen and comprehend less," Shollenberger said.

Ashley Von Rohr (senior-human development and family science) said she felt the new testing facility would help prevent students from cheating.

"It might be stressful to go to this room in Thomas instead of your classroom," Von Rohr said. "It depends on what the room is like."

Those working on the project plan to hold a video conference with Louisiana State University, which has a similar facility, and then discuss visiting the school to see it firsthand for ideas, Blythe said.

"If everything fell into place, you could be down there taking a test in a year and a half," she said.