What is DataLink™ software?
DataLink™ is a test scoring and data collection software that is included with your Apperson scanner. DataLink™ allows you to turn your paper-based tests into electronic data and provides access to useful reports as well as provides the ability to export your data to 3rd party software like gradebook applications.
Does DataLink™ work with Mac?
Yes. We have both a PC and Mac version of DataLink™.
Why is my scanner disconnected in DataLink™?
From DataLink's™ menu, click on Scanner and then Find Scanner. If DataLink™ still does not show the scanner is connected, check to make sure that the scanner is plugged into the computer. Make sure that the scanner is not plugged in the USB cable. If the scanner still cannot be found your scanner driver(s) may have been improperly installed. Contact Technical Support at 800.827.9219.
What reports are available from DataLink™?
The following reports are available in DataLink™: Class Roster, Student Test Results (Excel), Item Analysis, Detailed Item Analysis (Excel), Student Proficiency, Class Proficiency, Student Test Report (Excel) and Scanner Results.
How do I print the correct answer next to incorrect questions?
This is called the verification feature. In order to turn on the verification feature you can bubble in the -V- in the keyline of the key. Additionally, or if you are using an electronic key, you can turn the verify option on within DataLink™ by selecting Scanner from the toolbar and clicking on Verify.
How do I rescore my tests?
To rescore your tests, bubble in the -R- on the keyline of the key. Additionally, or if you are using an electronic key, you can activate this option within DataLink™ by selecting Scanner from the toolbar and then clicking on Rescore.
What is the difference between test scoring mode and data collection mode?
There are two modes for scanning your forms. In test scoring mode, the forms will actually be scored against a key that you have created and the scanner will print the score on the form. In data collection mode the scanner simply records the responses. Data collection mode is typically used for tabulating ballots and surveys or for scanning tests where the scoring will be accomplished in a program other than DataLink™. You do not have to use a key when scanning in data collection mode.
What is student ID verification?
When DataLink's™ student ID verification feature is activated, the scanner will reject any form with a student ID that does not match a student ID stored in DataLink's™ student database. Activating this feature allows you to quickly identify when a student's ID number may have been misbubbled or when the student is missing from the student database. To activate this feature, simply click on the Student ID Verification Icon (picture of a student with a green plus sign).
What is the student database and do I have to use it?
The student database is a database of student names and IDs. When a form is scanned that contains a student ID that is found in the student database, DataLink™ matches the student ID to the student name. This is helpful when printing reports and also helps ensure that student IDs are bubbled correctly when used with the "student ID verification" feature. In order to take advantage of the student database you must use test forms that have student ID fields. You do not have to use the student database, however.
Why should I purchase forms with student ID grids?
Using forms with student ID grids allow you to use more of DataLink's features, including the ability to print the students' names on reports, to use the "student database" feature and the "student ID verification" feature. Additionally, the student ID is needed if you are going to export your data to a 3rd party application like an electronic gradebook.
How do I update my DataLink™ software?
In DataLink™, go to Help in the toolbar and select Check For Updates. If an update is available you can install them at that time.
How do I find out what version of DataLink™ I am running?
In DataLink™, go to Help in the toolbar and select About. To check to see if you are running the most recent software, click on Check For Updates.
Where do I find information on subtests?
Subtest data is found on the Detailed Item Analysis Excel™ report.
I notice that there is a Groups and Standards feature and a Master Standards List. What is the difference?
When you input your standards into the Master Standards List, they are stored locally on the user’s PC and can be tied to any test key via the Groups and Standards screen. However, if you only enter the standards on the Groups and Standards screen, that information is only going to be tied to the particular key you are working with. So, if you ever need to tie those groups and standards to another key you will have to retype everything.
How do I establish my default Gradebook export?
In DataLink™, go to DataLink Preferences then click on the Gradebook tab and select your preference.
How do I export my results to my gradebook software?
After establishing your default gradebook software all you have to do is click on the Gradebook Export Icon (looks like an open book) when you are finished scanning and ready to export your data.
I have an older scanner, will DataLink™ work with it?
If you are using an Advantage™ 1200, a GradeMaster™ 600 or a BenchMark™ 3000, DataLink™ will work with your scanner. If your scanner did not come with DataLink™, DataLink™ can be purchased from our
online catalog or by calling Customer Service at 800.827.9219.
What gradebook programs does DataLink provide exports for?
We have exports for the following gradebook applications: ANGEL, Blackboard, Class Mate Gradebook, Curriculum Associates - CTAP, Easy Grade Pro, EnGrade, eSembler, Excelsior, Gradekeeper, GradeSpeed, InteGrade Pro, Jackson GradeQuick, JupiterGrades, LimeLight/LearningStation, LXR, MicroGrade, NeoGov, People's Education Measuring Up e-Path, Pinnacle, PowerTeacher, ProgressBook, Sakai Gradebook2, SchoolLoop, SchoolMaster, and Skyward. In addition, we provide a variety of generic export formats that may work for your gradebook if it is not listed above. If you have a gradebook program that is not accomodated, please contact us at datalink@appersonprint.com to inquire about adding an export for your program.
Does the BenchMark™ 3000 read two-sided forms?
No, the BenchMark™ 3000 scanner has a simplex read head and cannot scan two sides of a form.
Does the scanner read two-sided forms?
Yes, but the scanner has a simplex read head and can only read one side of a sheet at a time.
What size forms does the BenchMark™ 3000 accommodate?
The BenchMark™ 3000 is an auto feed scanner and the input tray is fixed at 5.5" in width. Therefore, all answer sheets must be at least 5.5" wide, but can differ in length from 7" to 12". You'd be surprised what we can fit on a BenchMark™ form!
What is pre-slugging?
Pre-slugging is the process of taking blank answer sheets and laser printing variable information on the sheets. The information printed on the sheets typically includes: student name, student ID (in human and machine readable format), assessment information, teacher and classroom. Pre-printing this information on the answer sheets helps to minimize student ID marking errors. The information pre-slugged is customizable to meet your requirements. The GradeMaster™, Advantage™ and BenchMark™ scanners can all read pre-slugged forms, however only our BenchMark™ 3000 includes a barcode reader for reading barcoded pre-slugged ID numbers.
What if I need an answer format that doesn't match any existing form you offer?
We have the ability to design and produce any special form you may need for any of our scanners. Contact a representative at 800.827.9219 or email us at tsminfo@appersonprint.com providing us details of your form needs and we'll confirm whether your form design can be accommodated.
Do you only offer test scoring forms?
No, we also offer a variety of Ballots and Survey forms.
Which forms work with your Advantage™ scanners?
Our Advantage scanners exclusively read Apperson's AccuScan™ line of forms for the Advantage™.
Which forms work with your GradeMaster™ scanners?
Our GradeMaster™ scanners exclusively read Apperson's AccuScan™ line of forms for the GradeMaster™, unless you have the GradeMaster™ FC Model. The GradeMaster™ FC model will also read Apperson's Scantron-compatible forms in addition to Scantron's forms.
Which forms work with your BenchMark™ 3000 scanners?
Our BenchMark™ 3000 scanners exclusively read Apperson's AccuScan™ line of forms for the BenchMark™ 3000.
How can I place an order?
What do I do with my left over answer sheets from my old machine?
That's easy, just send them to us! We will swap out a limited amount of unopened packages of a competitor's answer sheets. Once we receive them, we will send you an equal number of packages of answer sheets that will work with your new Apperson scanner, so you don't waste any of those precious budget dollars. Contact Customer Service at 800.827.9219 for more details on our swap out program.
Are your forms compatible with Scantron™ scanners?
We carry a line of Scantron™ and NCS™ compatible forms that will work seemlessly with those companies' test scanners. We guarantee their quality and they are priced 40-60% less than Competitors' published prices.However, the GradeMaster™, Advantage™, and BenchMark™ answer sheets will not work in a competitor's test scoring machine.
Are your forms compatible with other Apperson machines?
Each of our test scoring machines has its own line of answer sheets. Due to the different spacing requirements of the optical sensors reading the bubbles, these forms are not cross-compatible.
What writing instruments can be used to fill out your forms?
Our answer sheets require the student use a #2 pencil for all of their responses.
What is the maximum number of questions on a GradeMaster™ 600 answer sheet?
The GradeMaster™ accomodates up to 200 questions per form, reading 50 questions in a single pass.
What is the maximum number of questions on an Advantage™ 1200 answer sheet?
The Advantage™ accomodates up to 200 questions per form, reading 100 questions in a single pass.
What is the maximum number of questions on a BenchMark™ 3000 answer sheet?
The BenchMark™ 3000 accomodates up to 100 questions per form.
What type of answer sheets do you offer?
We have everything from 15 question quizzes to 200 question exams. We offer answer sheets with alternating answer patterns and large bubbles for elementary grades. Several of our answer sheets have areas for essays or open ended questions in addition to the multiple choices, true/false or matching. We also carry surveys and ballots. Please visit our
online catalog to view a complete list of AccuScan™ forms or contact a representative at 800.827.9219 for informtion and a quotation for developing a custom form.
What type of answer sheets do you offer for the BenchMark™ 3000 scanner?
We offer answer sheets with several different popular answer patterns and question amounts. For almost every answer sheet we carry, there is a 5.5" x 11" version and a 5.5" x 8.5" version (which comes printed two to a 11' x 8.5" sheet) which is perfect for do-it-yourself pre-slugging. Please visit our
online catalog to view a complete list of AccuScan™ forms.
Can you pre-populate, or pre-slug my forms?
Yes, we specialize in pre-slugging answer sheets and surveys. From the data file you would send us we can print as much or as little information right on each answer sheet as you would like. We can pre-print important information (like student ID and test ID) that your scanner can read, increasing the accuracy of your data and decreasing time spent fixing problems caused by incorrect bubbling. We can also sort your answer sheets and ship them in class packs to each school or your district, based upon your needs.
How do I order a new calibration sheet?
Call Customer Service at 800.827.9219 and request one. Replacement calibration sheets are $5 each plus shipping.
Why should I purchase forms with student ID grids?
Using forms with student ID grids allow you to use more of DataLink's features, including the ability to print the students' names on reports, to use the "student database" feature and the "student ID verification" feature. Additionally, the student ID is needed if you are going to export your data to a 3rd party application like an electronic gradebook.
I have a scanner made by another company and they say only their forms will work with it. Is this true?
In general, no. Apperson Education Products sells more than 20 million scan forms a year that work seemlessly with Scantron™ and NCS™ test scoring machines. Some types of forms that are manufactured by these companies are still under patent and therefore cannot be sold, but Apperson sells the most popular compatible forms and they are guaranteed to work. Best of all, we can save you up to 60%! Visit our online store to see if we have the forms you are looking for.
Do you offer discounts for bulk purchases of scan forms?
Yes. Plese contact us for specific details at 800.827.9219.