Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
I’ve never heard of a ZIP-Scan. Is it a new product?
A: ZIP-scan™ has been in development for over 17 years. The
original portable bubble-sheet grader concept was originated in the late
1980’s by an educator who thought that he spent way too much time
grading quizzes and tests. With the advent and proliferation of
the personal computer, he envisioned a small grading system on every
teacher’s desk. Development started in the early ‘90’s and as
technology evolved through the years, so did the conceptual design of
the ZIP-scan™. Early prototype units have been used for nearly
12
years!
Q: Do I have to buy a grade book program to use
ZIP-scan?
A:
No! Although we are working to integrate ZIP-scan™’s data output to
import into a number of 3rd party grade book programs,
ZIP-scan™ does a complete analysis of the test results of each test and
is ready to use as is. You can input the raw data into Microsoft Excel®
and utilize that program’s expanded functionality of charts and graphs
to customize analysis of the test results. The raw data can be
analyzed by any program that will accept delimited data.
Q:
My
school has limited resources and our technology budgets would
not allow for all the teachers in our school to have a ZIP-scan. Is there a way we can share it?
A: Most definitely, Yes! One of the best features (and
sometimes most often overlooked) is the ZIP-scan™’s ability to be
portable from computer to computer. One scenario we often see is a
school purchasing one or two units and placing them at a convenient
location, such as the office or library. This allows a teacher to check
out a ZIP-scan™ for a few minutes to correct their tests. We are
seeing more and more schools purchase a ZIP-scan™ for their teachers to
share. And, the school will get additional ZIP-scan™s as their
budgets allow.
Q: I noticed that the answer sheet
forms can be copied. This is a much different situation than we
currently have with our present scanners. Are we violating any
copyright laws?
A: No. We allow the end user to reproduce the answer sheets
for a number of reasons: As teacher accountability has increased over
the years, which necessitated the need to test more frequently, it made
no sense that the cost of the answer sheets would limit the number of
the tests given. We realized that the forms could be reproduced far more
inexpensively by using the school’s printing facilities, an offset
printing contractor, or by using the services of some national chains,
like Kinko’s or Alphagraphics. Schools and school districts often
have contracts with offset printing companies, and they can take
advantage of substantial volume discounts when printing forms for their
entire school or district. Also the ability to photocopy the
answer sheets is an option.
Q: Is you machine durable?
A: Yes, the ZIP-scan™ unit is very durable. The base
is cast aluminum, which gives the unit a steady, stable feel when the
unit is open for use. The top assembly is molded ABS impact-resistant
plastic. Both top and base are painted with a scratch-resistant
polyurethane paint. But most important for longevity of the product is
the fact that there are no electric motors or rubber feed rollers to
wear out or go out of alignment. And, the electronics are extremely low
power and generate no heat to cause a problem.
Q: What is the warranty?
A: The standard warranty on the ZIP-scan™ unit is
three years
return to depot. Return it to Salt Lake City and we will repair or
replace it immediately and return ship it prepaid back to you
.
Q: How do I get service?
A: You can call the toll free number
1-888-ZIP-SCAN
Q: How often is service required?
A: Service should almost never be needed. There are no
moving parts. The paper is all that is moving as gravity pulls it
through the scanning electronics in the top cover of the ZIP-scan™ unit.
Q: Do I need to purchase a service agreement?
A:
There is no service
agreement available or needed.
Q: If I try the machine and do not like it, can I
get a full refund?
A: Yes. We want you to be fully satisfied with the
ZIP-scan™
.
Q: Is the software compatible with Windows 95 and
XP?
A: Yes, the Test and Survey Wizard Software is compatible
with Windows®
95 through the current release of XP.
Q: Can your software tell me how many students
missed a certain question?
A:
Yes, the Test
Wizard's summary section allows you to see each question's response as
to how many marked it correctly or incorrectly. Examples of this can be
viewed on the Test Wizard Software web page.
Q: How expensive is the master answer sheet?
A: We include two copies of the master answer sheet with the
shipment of the unit so that you have a backup spare. But we also
include a CD ROM containing a .PDF file that can be printed using the
free Adobe
Acrobat®
software on any inkjet or laser printer to make additional master answer
sheets if you ever need more masters.
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