Strategies for coping with unexpected uptake of CBA Stuart Hepplestone e-learning adviser Learning and Teaching Institute Sheffield Hallam University 7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003

Content of session Background to CBA at SHU Drivers for the uptake of CBA Emerging trends Examples of usage Support strategies Questions

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 SHU LTA strategy Flexible delivery Support for a diversity of students Appropriate use of technology

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 SHU LTA strategy Flexible delivery Support for a diversity of students Appropriate use of technology project

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 Previous CBA activity at SHU Optical Mark Reader Other VLEs Question Mark Support for CBA up to

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 CBA at SHU 2001 onwards The VLE as driver Other drivers –Time –Independent learning –Improved support –External influences

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 CBA at SHU 2001 onwards What's happening now? –18,000 students enrolled on 1+ sites –1,200 staff enrolled in an Instructor role –1,000 active courses –8,000 students experienced CBA –Blackboard usage statistics 2 June 2003

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 CBA in Blackboard Assessment types – Test, Survey Question types –Multiple Choice – Matching –Multiple Answer– Ordering –True/False– Fill-in-the-Blank – Short Answer/Essay Question pools Feedback

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 Examples of usage Diagnostic Radiography Languages Sports Science

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003

Perceived wisdoms CBA is most appropriate for large cohorts where automated marking can save time CBA is mainly about MCQs Students will not engage with CBA unless it carries credit

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 Expectations and experiences Staff –Marking –Repeatability and reusability –Randomisation Students –Motivating –Flexibility –Immediate feedback

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 Support strategy for CBA One to one support SHU Blackboard Users’ Forum Newsflash Better your Blackboard basics Accessible Assessments Building Question Pools

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 Support strategy for CBA Staff, student and institutional issues –Level of staff ICT skills –Appropriateness –Fairness and equity –Workload implications –Beyond MCQs –Summative/real time –Exceeding targets

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003 Further information Contact: Web site:

7th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference 8-9 July 2003