Use of computer assisted assessment: Benefits to students and staff

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Stephens, Derek

Affiliations: Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. Tel.: +44 1509 223080; Fax.: +44 1509 223053; E-mail: d.p.stephens@lboro.ac.uk

Abstract: In comparing the use of computers with traditional pencil and paper to deliver objective tests for summative assessment, this paper also considers issues of gender differences, objective testing, computer anxiety, and benefits to staff and students. Two tests were undertaken, using Question Mark® software and pencil/paper delivery, with 46 firs-year undergraduate students in a UK Department of Information Science. Initial results indicated that students are not disadvantaged by the introduction of computer assisted assessment (CAA). Recommendations include the need for thorough pre-test preparation and invigilation for computer assisted assessment; practice testing to enable students to overcome possible computer anxiety related to CAA, and support for LIS staff in creating tests suitable for computerized marking.

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-2001-19401

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 265-275, 2001