Phasing
out of NCS Opscan 8/50 Optical Mark Reader
By
Joe Lee
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The Computing Services Centre (CSC) has provided
multiple-choice examination marking and survey data capturing
for more than 20 years. The high-speed scanner (NCS Opscan 8/50)
for supporting these services has been in service since March
2001. As there are more and more ways to carry out multiple-choice
examination and survey data collection, usage of the scanner has
decreased significantly in recent years. The scanner has now reached
the end of its lifetime, and finding spare parts to fix it becomes
more and more difficult even though a high-cost maintenance contract
still could be made last year. As the scanner has a very large
foot print, considering the floor space it consumes and its current
utilization level, it is not cost-effective to replace it with
a new one. Following our phasing out announcements for the equipment,
it is now extended to December 2009 (i.e. at the end of Semester
A, 2009-10) to allow more time for our users to look for other
alternatives.
During this period, the machine will be maintained to its best
condition as far as possible to provide related services. Departments
are advised to plan ahead to look for alternatives (if they still
require optical scanning) by setting up a departmental scanning
system or by outsourcing the service (please see the references
below). For survey, departments may also consider using the on-line
survey feature in MS SharePoint and Blackboard instead of continuing
the use of paper.
For assistance, please feel free to contact our CSC Help Desk.
References: