Computer-Based Assessment for Academic Evaluation

Abstract

As student numbers and lecturer workloads increase, traditional methods of assessment make it rather difficult to undertake effective assessment and provide students with in-depth, relevant, specific and speedy feedback. It is thus incumbent on tertiary academic institutions, more especially distance education providers, to consider alternative ways, means and strategies towards the incorporation of computer-based assessment (CBA) methods. This automation can be easily realised by the ever-growing field of computer aided assessment (CAA) software that is currently permeating the educational landscape of the world. While some individuals may argue that CBA software has been proven in only limited situations and that it is very costly to develop, it nevertheless remains a viable alternative technology that is beginning to challenge many traditional and out-dated modes of assessment. In this chapter the rationale for developing CBA has been discussed and thereafter pertinent issues around the types of CBA, advantages of CBA, proprietary and non proprietary software have been analysed. The chapter concludes by firstly, highlighting strategic planning issues for consideration in engaging computer based assessment and secondly it provides modalities for future research directions within the arena of computer based assessment. These two components are key in designing ICT strategies for continuous academic evaluation