Computer Aided Assessment MUST be more than multiple-choice tests for it to be academically credible?

摘要: Computer Aided Assessment (CAA) is being proposed as the means of providing formative testing to ever-increasing numbers students involved in higher education. A large proportion this based around use of objective multiple-choice tests. These tend make process of select one out three possible answers, or improve reliability process, one four! Obviously there are alternatives above, however, a lecturer initially will method that easiest for them. With complexity, multifunctionality and hence steep learning curve setting up these systems, many lecturers dumping them before their benefits can be achieved. Question banks available, normally require an initial financial outlay. The questions offered often general, and may not directly map areas covered in particular module. No matter what system utilised objective tests, the criticism by CAA sceptics "we developing employable and transferable skills". Students on leaving higher education rarely expected to produce answers employers skills, but be expected produce reports, presentations, etc. The question springs mind is ... our job educators, clones, develop nurture broader skills? formative multiple choice tests also causing problem that students "prepared" sit final examinations. still take the format select from five questions then write essays each the selected limited time period. Having part of formative/summative assessment throughout course module, again brings us back consuming having mark provide formative feedback. This paper introduces audience Computerised Plagiarism system (Davies 2000), provides on-line assessing the essays peers, providing has been successfully used at levels one, two undergraduate programme in the field computer studies University Glamorgan. It been for continual level combination / peer assessment two, self, peer reflective self-assessment level three. networked tool produced major positive both for the staff. Its acceptance only provided efficient for formative summative assessment, aided students' essay writing skills. From lecturer's point view, those who past have been sceptical more general objective testing, become much receptive introduction innovative assessment methods making CAA.