This short paper reviews the current market for e-assessment, considers the drivers for change and development, and presents a vision of where assessment could be in five years time. This paper is written mainly for a UK Awarding Body audience, and is published jointly by AlphaPlus and BTL Group. Download PDF

This White Paper discusses the techniques and benefits of computerised skills assessments which AlphaPlus and BTL have pioneered over recent years within UK post compulsory generic skills training such as Key Skills, Skills for Life and Functional Skills. In particular, it looks at the enhanced formative assessment opportunities deriving from these approaches, and, as a result of technical and assessment design innovations, how these benefits can be realised in bespoke assessments customised for particular learning settings. Download PDF

This paper is concerned with the development and trialling of sets of adaptive computer-based and (non-adaptive) paper-based tools used primarily to assess the literacy, language and numeracy skills of adult learners in both academic and work settings in the UK. Download PDF

This paper was presented at the 12th CAA Conference 2008, Loughborough.

Short-answer free-text questions, a favourite tool of teachers and examiners alike, can now be computer marked by natural language based assessment engines which aim to mimic human marking of free-text. But what are the capabilities and limitations of computerised marking of short-answer questions ? Download PDF

From the educational perspective, computerised marking of free-text offers the potential of highly consistent and efficient marking. Human marking, on the other hand, adds professional judgement and inference, which can give credit to poorly expressed understanding. So could a successful integration of human and computerised marking blend the best characteristics of both? Download PDF

Few paper-based summative examinations are composed of atomic, closed form assessment units, such as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). Rather, they typically consist of questions requiring short answer, extended answer, and essay type answers. This paper outlines the technology requirements for e-assessment of extended answer and essay questions. Download PDF

Assessment of medical, veterinary, or dental knowledge has traditionally relied on short-answer free-text questions, because they effectively assess understanding without offering prompts or clues. These questions can now be computer marked by natural language based assessment engines which aim to mimic human marking of free-text. Download PDF

The Skills Check (formerly known as ‘screening’) tools were developed to assist ’front-line’ staff (for example, in Job Centres) assess whether or not an adult has a literacy and/or numeracy need and would, therefore, benefit from a more in-depth assessment. The primary function of the Skills Check tools is to determine need. In particular, the DfES wants to be able to identify whether an adult has literacy and/or numeracy skills at, or above, level 2 of the national standards. Download PDF