Computer Assisted Assessment (CAA) - Information for Lecturers
The Computer Assisted Assessment (CAA) Lab is located in room 105.510 on Level 5 of the TL Robertson library building.
Why use Computer Assisted Assessment
Assessment is the engine that drives a great deal of students' learning. However, with greater student participation in Higher Education and reductions in resources it is becoming difficult to meet the demand with traditional assessment practices. Computer assisted assessment can help both lecturers and students. Firstly, it can reduce the load on lecturers by automating appropriate parts of the marking of students' work. Secondly, it can help provide students with feedback on their learning in a more efficient way than is usually possible with traditional assessment and thirdly, it brings the assessment closer to the learning experiences of the students, that is, the students are performing tests using electronic sources that are rapidly becoming part of their everyday course of learning.
Computer Assisted Assessment at Curtin
Curtin has been using a computerised system for student testing since 1985. The initial system was the LMS (Learning Management System) from the Learning Management Corporation but in 1999 a pilot was run using the assessment component of WebCT. WebCT is used in the supervised environment of the Computer Assisted Assessment (CAA) laboratory which is located in room 510 on the fifth floor of the library (105:510).
Students enrolled in a number of Curtin units do their testing using the CAA laboratory. This is particularly useful for units with large numbers as all of the testing and marking is done in the laboratory. Lecturers download results into an Excel spreadsheet or receive a print out of results. Tutor marking levels can be relieved considerably and immediate feedback is available to lecturers and tutors on students' progress. This is particularly helpful if the tests have been for formative purposes and lecturers are made aware of areas students are finding difficult.
Students book a test time using the electronic booking system, via WebCT. To sit a test the student presents at the CAA laboratory with their photo Curtin ID card.
Students must have their ID card scanned before proceeding to the testing room to sit their test. The student generates a test which is usually computer marked. Students are given the opportunity to reflect on any errors they may have made.
The key elements of the Computer Assisted Assessment system are the Questionbank which contains the questions, the quizsettings which contain the parameters for the tests and, of course, the students. Obviously, the tests are only as good as the questions used to generate them. It is therefore necessary to make sure questions are clear, valid and reliable. Questionbanks should be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary.
How to use CAA
There are various ways in which a CAA system can be used. A few possibilities only are:
- Class room use, with progressive review tests and assessments - ideal for flexible delivery.
- Supervised tests taken in the CAA Laboratory (5th floor of the Library) - an excellent option for large numbers. These tests can be formative or summative.
CAA demonstrations and training
If you are interested in learning more about the system please contact Fain Bennett
Telephone: 9266 7438
Email: F.Bennett@curtin.edu.au
