Electronic Management of Assessment

What is EMA?

The term electronic management of assessment (EMA) refers to the way that technology can be used 'across the assessment lifecycle to support the electronic submission of assignments as well as marking and feedback'. (JISC EMA Guide). The terms "online submission" and "online marking" are also commonly used:

  • online submission is the process by which a student submits work online for storage and retrieval by academic, administrative or other staff for marking, feedback or review. This can also include originality checking to help identify plagiarism using Turnitin.
  • online marking is the process by which staff provide marks and feedback to students online, which can include online annotations eg using Blackboard inline grading, annotated files eg using comments in Microsoft Word, audio, video, or the use of online forms. 

Staff - how to start using EMA

Follow our instructions on getting started with EMA.

Tools and approaches for online marking and feedback

There is currently no single tool which supports all EMA requirements, so workflows are available using Blackboard and Turnitin Feedback Studio.  Each of these tools has pros and cons depending on requirements. For guidance on supported and recommended marking workflows see EMA guides.  If you are considering using online marking please contact the Digital Education Office, who will be able to provide advice on the most appropriate tool. 

Approaches for providing feedback

  • Provide digital feedback files e.g. standard feedback forms in Word format.
  • Annotate work, for example using comments in Word or Adobe Reader. Upload annotated assignments back into Blackboard.
  • Fill in an online feedback form (rubric), available in both Blackboard and Turnitin. 
  • Create audio or video/screencast feedback, and make this available to students via Blackboard. See our video guide and case studies on providing audio and video feedback.
  • Annotate work directly in Blackboard or Turnitin.

Health and safety

If you are marking or administering marking online please see the Safety and Health services workplace guidance on using display screen equipment.

The University of York has some useful guidance about reading on screen.

Training

The DEO can offer training for administrative staff and markers.

Getting help

Useful links

JISC has worked with several institutions on EMA and evaluated these projects. They have summarised some of the benefits for students and benefits for staff.