Formative Assessment using Computer-Aided Assessment

Formative assessment, where students hand in work that tutors return annotated with comments, has been a casualty of the increased pressures on academic staff time. However, this is a valuable part of the learning experience. This paper describes how computer-aided assessment (CAA) can provide a means of preserving formative assessment within the curriculum at a fraction of the time–cost involved with written work. CAA no longer means only multiple choice. Sophisticated, yet easy to use, software packages like Question Mark Designer permit a variety of assessment styles. This paper illustrates some of the styles available.