Over
a two-year period we have devised and deployed over 2000 objective
tests both as summative and formative tests in a range of Computer
Science modules as well as diagnostic tests via the Web. From modest
beginnings with an introductory module on programming for first
year students we extended the service to other staff and modules
including a Master's level module on programming, an introductory
module to the PC and a module on computer hardware.
We recorded our experience supplying support to staff and students
through a variety of documents and procedures,
including addressing the practical and security issues of deploying
CAA via the Web. This information is available via
the Web to staff and students.
Feedback was elicited from the
students after each test and this information is recorded in a database
available on the Web.
We have been developing an extensible and modular system called
MAPView (Monitoring, Access and Provision)
using the development method we teach our students and written in
our teaching language Java. We have used our students to develop
various aspects of this system as part of their academic work and
we use it as a "near experience" example in our modules
on software engineering, project management and object-oriented
design.
Our system is centered on the lecturer's
learning objectives for a course of study. Questions and tests are
constructed with explicit reference to these learning objectives.
Topical feedback is provided to the students via emails automatically
generated from test results, using this as a tool to revisit individual
student problems. We have sought to prove that our method of system
development is flexible and responsive to the individual and changing
requirements of teachers.
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