Getting Started

The original AIMS [test development] system has been in operation since the 1980's, and is made available free of charge to course directors in the School of Medicine.

The image below represents the main menu of the AIMS [test development] system. From this menu faculty can create and edit their own categories, narratives, questions and tests. Performance reports, student feedback, and help are also available from the main menu. 

The AIMS system now has an online testing component, which is designed to deliver secured and non-secured, computer-based exams to medical students on their personal laptops. The online testing component, which is still under development, will be administered by the AIMS Coordinator in the Office of Educational Development.

Software & System Requirements

The AIMS [test development] system uses a Visual Basic™ interface to a back-end Microsoft Access™ database. The application, which is password protected & installed locally, allows course directors and their support staff to access the main AIMS database via the school's intranet. To run the AIMS application, users need the following:

• operating system- Windows XP, or Windows NT 4.0 SP3
• memory- 512 MB RAM, or above
• database- Microsoft Access 2000™
• connection to the school's intranet through a local area network

The AIMS [online testing] system was developed in Cold Fusion™, and is linked to a dedicated, secure SQL server. Secured tests are delivered through the AIMS Browser© which prevents students from accessing external computer and internet resources during an exam. Un-secured tests, such as take-home exams, may be accessed with any browser, such as Internet Explorer™ or Netscape™. The AIMS Coordinator will be responsible for uploading exams to the school's online testing site.

Support for AIMS

OED provides the following support services for AIMS:

• administration & upgrades to the AIMS system
• consultation with faculty about the use of AIMS in their courses
• consultation with faculty about testing & assessment
• preparation of computer-based exams
• scoring and grading of exams
• sending feedback to students
• training and help resources for AIMS

At the time of installation the AIMS Coordinator will provide training for course directors and their staff. On-going support & help is available by contacting the AIMS Coordinator, who can supply you with a copy of the AIMS User Guide (pdf version).

Other Resources

In addition to AIMS, the Office of Educational Development (OED) provides other support services in the area of testing and assessment:

• consultation in developing test items and exams
• inks to external resources, such as the USMLE Guide: Constructing Written Test Questions for the Basic and Clinical Sciences
• OED Resources for Course Directors & Faculty
• Nuts & Bolts for Course Directors: A Virtual Notebook
• Excellence in Teaching Series

Contact Information

If you would like more information about AIMS please contact:

Linda J. Fisher, AIMS Coordinator (919) 843-9214
Office of Educational Development
UNC-CH School of Medicine
CB 7530 Rm. 322 MacNider Building
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7530
main office: (919) 966-3641


updated December 2007