SmarterMeasure

D2L Integration

SmarterMeasure is pre-loaded into the APSU 1000 course within D2L.  No additional set up is required; unless, the instructor plans to use date restrictions (more information below). The SmarterMeasure assessment is tied to the D2L gradebook.  As students exit the assessment, whether they complete it in full or have used the Stop and Return Later button, students will be notified and the gradebook will automatically update based on the percentage of the assessment they have completed.  Students are not graded on their scores in the individual sections. 

Instructors can also set dates in D2L to control access to SmarterMeasure.  To do this, select the drop down menu arrow next to the link for SmarterMeasure in your course and then select "Edit Properties In-Place."  The options are to enter a start, end, and/or due date; any or all can be used.  The date options are explained below.

• Start Date - Before the start date, students can see the SmarterMeasure link in D2L but they cannot select it.
• Due Date - After the due date passes, students can still see and access the link.  If they complete SmarterMeasure after the due date passes, the gradebook will still update with a new grade and it will overwrite any grade the instructor may have manually entered.
• End Date - After the end date passes, students can still see the link to SmarterMeasure but they cannot select it; therefore, they can no longer receive a grade or access their SmarterMeasure report.  If you use the end date, make sure you have students save their reports before the end date passes.

Discussion and Engagement

As part of the APSU 1000 curriculum, instructors will be asked to engage with their students on the SmarterMeasure topics and their personalized results.  Below are resources to assist in this effort as well as additional suggestions to further integrate SmarterMeasure into the course.

• A course discussion around the SmarterMeasure content prompts students to read their readiness reports, reflect on their level of readiness to learn, and identify steps they can take to foster academic success.  Lead a group discussion or consider adding a discussion to your course in D2L.  Select from this list of Suggested SmarterMeasure Discussion Topics or create your own topic.

• Meeting with students one-on-one?  Use this SmarterMeasure Sub-Scale Advising Script as a starting place or use this Instructor-Student assessment review form to help guide a review of the student's readiness report.

• View these Course Integration and Engagement Ideas for ways instructors can engage students on the SmarterMeasure topics or to further integrate SmarterMeasure as part of the course culture.

Reading the Student Readiness Report

Immediately upon completing the SmarterMeasure assessment, students are provided with their personalized readiness report.  To access this report, students will select the link in D2L to the assessment like they did initially to complete it.  Students must complete the assessment in full to receive a readiness report.  Instructors will not have access to see students' readiness reports until after students begin taking the assessment. 

You can view a PDF example of a student readiness report (opens new window).  Use this sample report to follow along with the rest of this section.  Please keep in mind that the sample report does not contain APSU specific text and branding like our students' actual readiness reports. 

The readiness report provides the student with a summary and then detailed results for each of the scales and sub-scales.  The report lists results both numerically and with a color coded scale.  From blue for strength to red for opportunity for improvement.  The summary is mostly graphical and shows the students overall results in the eight scales measured.  The summary is a great place for students to see which areas they should focus on as they are reading their report and working to improve their skills.  For each of the scales, students are provided with a short narrative on what each section measures and why. The student’s overall scale result is provided in text as well as graphically.  This is followed by breaking the scale up into its sub-scales.  Based on the students score in each sub-scale, they are provided with additional information about the sub-scale.  Finally, they are provided with resources for support.

The report provides options to Print/Download Report or Email Report. This is important for students to do so that they can retain this important information after losing access to the course.

Handouts & Videos

Student-Focused Handouts

SmarterServices has created student-focused handouts to align with the SmarterMeasure assessment.  You can locate and download these resources on their website (opens new window).  If you are a current APSU 1000 instructor, you can find these resources in the SmarterMeasure module within your course section.  Examples include:

• SmarterMeasure Technical Vocabulary Sheet
• Tips for Successful Time Management
• Controlling Procrastination
• Pros of Online Learning
• Be a Successful Online Learner
• How to Stay Focused and Study Effectively for your Online Courses
• And more!

Instructor Videos

Current instructors, please visit the APSU 1000 Instructor Training Course in D2L to access how-to videos including a SmarterMeasure Instructor Overview Video and SmarterMeasure Instructor Dashboard Video.  If you have any questions, please contact Distance Education at online@apsu.edu or 931-221-6625.