Internet test-making method

Abstract

A method of making a tests, assessments, surveys and lesson plans with images and sound files and posting them on-line for potential users. Questions are input by a test-maker and then the questions are compiled into a test by a host system and posted on-line for potential test-takers. The compiled test may be placed in a directory for access by the test-takers, the directory preferably having a plurality of categories corresponding to different types of tests and the compiled test is placed in the appropriate category. For ease in administration, a just-made test is placed into a temporary category so that it may be later reviewed (by the proprietor of the host system) and placed in the most appropriate category.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of making a test and posting the test on-line for potential test-takers, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a host system and a plurality of remote terminals operatively coupled to the Internet;    inputting questions at one of the remote terminals;    compiling the questions at the host system to make a compiled test;    posting the test on-line for potential test-takers.    
     
     
         2 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  including the steps of providing a home page that is accessible to both potential test-makers and test-takers and that allows users to cast themselves as either a test-maker or a test-taker.  
     
     
         3 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the test-maker is required to input an identifier.  
     
     
         4 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  further including the steps of editing a compiled test.  
     
     
         5 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the step of posting the step includes placing the compiled test in a directory for access by potential test-takers.  
     
     
         6 . A method as set forth in  claim 5  wherein the directory has a plurality of categories corresponding to different types of tests and wherein the compiled test is placed in the appropriate category.  
     
     
         7 . A method as set forth in  claim 6  wherein the step of placing the compiled test in a directory includes the steps of placing a just-made test into a temporary category, reviewing the test to determine the appropriate category, and then placing the test into the appropriate category.  
     
     
         8 . A method as set forth in  claim 7  further comprising the step of receiving input from the test-maker as to the appropriate category.  
     
     
         9 . A method as set forth in  claim 5  wherein the test-taker chooses a test from the directory.  
     
     
         10 . A method as set forth in  claim 9  wherein the test-taker is allowed to preview the test chosen from the directory.  
     
     
         11 . A method a set forth in  claim 1  wherein a test-taker is required to pay to take the compiled test.  
     
     
         12 . A method as set forth in  claim 11  wherein the test-maker and the proprietor of the host system share the revenues generated by the test-taker taking the test.  
     
     
         13 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the compiled test is placed in a restricted directory and the test-taker must have know a password to access the compiled test.  
     
     
         14 . A method of posting a test on-line for potential test-takers, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a host system and a plurality of remote terminals operatively coupled to the Internet;    placing a test in a restricted directory for potential test-takers;    requiring a test-taker to input a password to have access to the restricted directory.    
     
     
         15 . A method as set forth in the preceding claim wherein the restricted directory includes academic practice tests and wherein a school enrolls students at a set cost per school year.  
     
     
         16 . A method as set forth in  claim 14  wherein the charge for the restricted directory is based on per time a test is taken.  
     
     
         17 . A method as set forth in  claim 14  wherein the charge for the restricted directory is based on per time a user visits the directory.  
     
     
         18 . A system for generating and posting an on-line test, comprising: 
 a first computer operatively coupled to the Internet, the first computer including software means for generating the test and software means for posting the test on the Internet; and    a second computer operatively coupled to the Internet, the second computer operative to allow a user to take the test and receive test results.    
     
     
         19 . A system for generating and posting an on-line test, comprising: 
 a host computer operatively coupled to a network backbone, the host computer including means for generating the test and means for posting the test;    a first computer operatively coupled to the host computer, the first computer being operative to generate questions for the test; and    a second computer operatively coupled to the host computer, the second computer operative to the take the test.    
     
     
         20 . A system for generating and posting an on-line test, comprising: 
 host means, coupled to a network backbone, for generating the test and for posting the test;    means, operatively coupled to the host means, for generating questions for the test; and    means, operatively coupled to the host means, for taking the test.