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Section 1: Overall issues in computer assessment delivery

What is Computer Assisted Assessment (CAA)?

Otherwise known as online assessment, or e-assessment. According to Bull and McKenna,

"CAA is a common term for the use of computers in the assessment of student learning. The term encompasses the use of computers to deliver, mark and analyse assignments or examinations."

CAA is normally understood to refer to objective testing, that is to questions that have a clear correct or incorrect answer. Subjective assessment, where some judgement is required in the grading of individual answers, is not suitable for marking by computer.

However computers can support subjective assessment in other ways, for example to enable submission of assignments, detection of plagiarism and as a platform for assessed collaborative work. The emphasis of this material will be on objective assessment.