Duke TIP Testers Program
When are the field tests? What is the time commitment for being a TIP Tester?
- Field tests are scheduled as needed throughout the year. If your age and interests match those of a course we are testing, we will contact you with specific dates for a field test. If you are unable to participate in the field test at that time, your name will remain on our list of potential TIP Testers for future field tests.
- Field tests happen in two phases in order to accomodate the production schedule for our Independent Learning courses. (It wouldn't make sense to give your feedback to the course developer after he or she had finished writing the course.)
- Once you have been selected to participate in a field test you will be notified of the dates for each phase of the test. You may opt out of Phase Two if your schedule or commitments do not allow you to participate in both phases.
Each phase of the field testing lasts five to eight weeks. You will need three (3) to five (5) hours per week to test the course.
How do I apply?
Complete the application form found here. You will be notified when a field test is scheduled that matches your interests and age.
Parents, before your child applies, please read this Parent Information Guide.
I have applied. When do I start?
Applying to be a TIP Tester does not guarantee you a space in one of our field tests. We schedule field tests according to the courses we have in development. When a course is in development that matches your interests and your age, we will contact you. We cannot guarantee that every student will be invited to participate as a TIP Tester.
**Please do not contact Duke TIP to see when tests will be offered as the schedule for field tests varies.
Tell me how this process works again.
- Any gifted 4th-12th grade student is invited to apply.
- By applying you are expressing interest in being contacted if there is an upcoming field test that matches your interests and age. Applying does not guarantee placement.
- Duke TIP will contact you when a field test is scheduled for a course that matches your interests and age.
- Once contacted to participate, you can accept your spot as a TIP Tester or decline and be added back to the list.
- If you accept your spot as a TIP Tester you are agreeing to
- Spend three (3) to five (5) hours per week testing course material under development;
- Test any where from five (5) to twenty (20) total lessons during the testing period;
- Participate for the full duration of the field test (totaling five (5) to eight (8) weeks per phase); and
- A two-phase process, whereby you can "opt out" of the second phase if interest or other commitments do not allow you to participate in both phase
As a gift for your participation you will receive free textbooks for your course as well as a certificate.
Your work may also be choosen as an example of model student work for the final version of the course.
Upon publication, you will also receive a complimentary copy of the course you helped evaluate!
Questions?
Contact 919-668-9100 and ask to speak to the Independent Learning department. Or email us at: IL@tip.duke.edu.
