Using an overhead projector for standardized testing is often not considered the “best” option for magnification purposes, and wasn’t my first choice when I had to take large print exams as a student with low vision. However, one of the lessons I learned about receiving assistive technology services in public schools is that I am not entitled to the “best” technology, and I must learn to work with whatever is provided to me, even if it is less than ideal. Using an overhead projector as a magnification aid is an example of how I learned to work with what technology was available to me, and I’ve put together this post to share my experiences about using an LCD projector for standardized testing as a student in Virginia Public Schools.
Alternatives to using an overhead projector for low vision students
As part of my IEP for visual impairment (and later my college disability accommodations), I typically use one or more of the following options to access exams with large print as a student with low vision:
- Taking exams in a digital/electronic format so that I can use text-to-speech or screen magnification to enlarge information. When possible, I prefer responsive layouts or use the quizzes and tests embedded in a course website.
- Paper copy of a large print test in a font size I can read
- Using a desktop or handheld video magnifier/CCTV to enlarge too-small text
- Enabling Guided Access on my iPad and using Notability or Markup to enlarge and write on an exam, or completing an exam in Microsoft Word.
Unfortunately, none of these were approved options for the standardized tests I took in high school, because:
- The TestNav software does not support screen magnification or large print tools, and the test software could not be enlarged with the projector
- The large print test is printed in a set font size (around 18-20 pt font) and custom tests cannot be printed in a larger font size
- Desktop and handheld video magnifiers were not available for me to use
- In Virginia, large print SOL tests are not available in a digital format
I also took a few non-standardized tests with the help of an overhead projector when a large print or digital copy of a test was not available, or when I could not access graphics or tables in large print.
Related links
- How I Receive Accessible Quizzes and Tests in the Classroom
- Common Classroom Accommodations For Low Vision
- Testing Accommodations For Low Vision Students
- Remote Testing Accommodations For Low Vision
- A to Z of Assistive Technology For Low Vision
- How To Use Guided Access For Testing And Exams
- Notability and Low Vision
Setting up the testing environment
In order to use an overhead projector for standardized testing, my case manager applied for disability accommodations that included the following accommodations:
- Code 2: Use of a dry-erase board as scratch paper
- Code 3: Additional writing implements, including use of pens and highlighters
- Code 4: Visual aids. This includes use of a physical magnifying glass and a line tracker to follow text, e.g. index card. Code 4 was also used to approve the use of a LCD projector for magnification.
- Code 6: Large print test booklet.
- Code 10: Read-Aloud test. Questions, answers, text embedded within graphics, and sentences read out loud only when requested by the student.
- Code 18: Examiner records responses. Student does not use answer document.
- Code 28: Calculator/Arithmetic tools. Use of an accessible iPad calculator with guided access enabled
- Code 32: Setting. This included an alternate location/small group testing at a school-based location, a large table for viewing the large text booklet, and special lighting.
My testing environment consisted of an empty classroom with 2 proctors and overhead lights that had been dimmed or turned off. The test was positioned underneath a document camera that connected to the projector, and I sat at a large table in the front of the room with scratch paper, pens, and a chair. I was permitted to use the wall-mounted dry erase board as scratch paper as well.
Related links
- Virginia SOL Test Accommodations And Low Vision
- SAT Accommodations for Low Vision
- ACT Accommodations For Low Vision
- AP Exam Accommodations For Low Vision
- Disability Accommodations For Fluctuating Eyesight
Projecting the test
One question is displayed at a time on the projector, along with the multiple-choice answers for each question. I would verbally ask the proctor to display different questions or adjust settings such as camera zoom, and was not permitted to touch the document camera or any other settings. I was allowed to ask my proctor to read a question or answer choices out loud, and I would often write the questions/answers in larger print on a dry-erase board or on a separate page. I was allowed to move around the room to get a better view of the board, but not allowed to leave or take breaks outside of the classroom.
For graphs or images, I would often ask for a higher magnification level compared to text, as I often had trouble identifying details in images. Since I often had to change the magnification/zoom level for different questions, I preferred to use the document camera that had several options for enlarging content instead of a magnifying glass with a fixed magnification level.
Related links
- How To Make Things On The Board Easier To See
- How To Create Accessible Classroom Posters For Students With Visual Impairments
- Magnifying Glasses For Low Vision
- Five Things Your IEP Case Manager Won’t Tell You
- How My Guidance Counselor Helped Me As A Low Vision Student
Answering test questions
After working out questions on scratch paper or on the dry-erase board, I would write the letter of the answer followed by the text of the answer, such as “C: 42.” I would circle the answer on the paper copy of the test as well as write the letter in large text next to the question, so that it was easier for me to verify my answers with the proctor. Because I could not fill out the enlarged answer document (Code 8), I marked my answers in the test booklet and a proctor transcribed my responses on the standard answer sheet; I dictated my answers verbally to the proctor after I finished answering all of the questions.
Related links
- How I Show Work For Math With Low Vision and Dysgraphia
- Math Test Accommodations For Low Vision
- How I Take Math Tests With Double Vision
Strategies that helped me with using an overhead projector
After having to walk back and forth for 40 questions during the first standardized test I took with an overhead projector, I realized that I needed to make sure I didn’t exhaust myself towards the end of the test. Some strategies that helped me with using an overhead projector included:
- Taking a break from looking at the screen/turning off the projector for a short break to reduce eye fatigue.
- Scheduling tests for a morning start time so that I wasn’t fatigued by the end of the day
- Familiarizing myself with the different options for the document camera before test day, such as zoom levels, options for contrast filters/screen inverting, and adjusting brightness
- Being okay with asking for help or asking for people to read things. It’s important that I don’t try to guess what I am looking at when it comes to exams!
Now that I am looking back on my experience of using an overhead projector for standardized testing, some things I wish I did include:
- Adjust the brightness of the projector itself so that the light wasn’t so sharp, and spend more time adjusting the lighting of the room to minimize glare.
- Request a printed copy of the test that wasn’t in large print, which would have been easier to manipulate underneath the document camera. Some information would get cut off with the larger font size, but I was not allowed to access the standard print exam booklet provided to proctors.
- Practice more with reading information on the projector instead of reserving this experience only for test day. Since this wasn’t how I normally accessed information in the classroom, so it took time for me to adjust
- Speak up if there was an issue with the testing environment. I ran into an issue when there was a flickering light in the testing environment and the proctor told me to ”keep going” even though I felt disoriented. Unsurprisingly, I failed the test.
Related links
- Ten Ways To Reduce Eye Strain From Screens With Technology
- Lighting And Low Vision
- My Talk At A Future Date: What I Wish I Learned About AT Before Starting College
- Learning to Self-Advocate
- Environmental Accommodations For Low Vision Students
More tips for using an overhead projector for standardized testing
- I access information frequently on overhead projectors in my classes, and share strategies for accessing information at a distance in How To Make Things On The Board Easier To See
- Want to learn more about my accommodations for standardized tests? Read Virginia SOL Test Accommodations For Low Vision
- In Virginia, state standardized tests are untimed, but for states or exams that have time limits, I strongly recommend requesting extended time. Learn more in All About Extended Time Accommodations
Published July 25, 2019. Updated August 2023