Automatic assessment for the e-learning of the network services in the context of the EHEA

This work presents a new system for the automatic assessment of practical activities in the context of the EHEA. A subject focused on the configuration of network services has been chosen to implement the new automatic evaluation platform. Unlike traditional platforms based on theoretical contents to evaluate the students' knowledge, the proposed system is able to immediately evaluate students' practical skills and, additionally, provide them with feedback about the correctness of their activities. Therefore, faculty can dynamically follow the students' progress in order to adjust the learning process to their needs. Since the UNED University serves a large number of students via a distance-learning methodology, the use of scalable assessment platforms within the students' learning process is crucial to keep it working efficiently. Automatic assessment systems are also of particular interest when practical activities are performed within higher engineering courses.