Web-based Assessment: Two UK Initiatives

Dave Whittington, Robert Clark Centre for Technological Education, University of Glasgow, G12 8LS, UK. d.whittington@elec.gla.ac.uk

Joanna Bull, University of Luton, UK joanna.bull@luton.ac.uk

Myles Danson, Loughborough University, UK m.danson@lboro.ac.uk

Keywords

Computer assisted assessment, Online assessment

Abstract

This paper describes two UK initiatives aimed at promoting and disseminating best practice in the use of computer assisted assessment. Both initiatives are tackling the technological, pedagogical and organisational aspects of using the Web to support student assessment. Some of the more interesting problems being tackled include the interoperability of assessment systems and the use of XML to represent questions and tests. Both groups have also looked at the security requirements of online student assessment and are beginning to develop strategies that are technically feasible, pedagogically sound and work within existing organisations.