E-Assessment as a Tool to Augment Face-to-Face Teaching and Learning Environment

The current research explores how e-assessment can be used within face-to-face teaching and learning environment, especially in large class-enrollments, to augment the ordinary methods of assessment and feedback to effectively enables students to develop critical thinking analytical skills, knowledge and competence. The study is part of an ongoing framework to develop innovative computer-based assessment methods at University of Bahrain. It provides an example of one rich e-assessment tool using an automated Microsoft Excel program to integrate the assessment into the learning experience. The e-assessment tool supports the design of the assessment of the course intended learning outcomes augmented with instantaneous qualitative feedback to the student. The achievement of the course Intended Learning Outcomes reflects the performance of the teaching, learning and assessment activity of the course. The results of this study show that the quality of teaching and learning can be improved if those involved in designing assessment and feedback explore the potential of technology to increase faculty efficiency and enable more effectual use of instructor's time and effort to oversee the learning processes and provide students with real-time feedback mechanisms, and further the student learning outcomes by supporting learners to develop a culture of self-monitoring and self-assessment.