Computer Based Assessment

Summary

This video discusses the concept of computer-based assessment (CBA), its history, and its applications in education. It highlights the shift from paper-based tests to digital formats, which began in 1959. CBA allows for more frequent assessments, immediate feedback, and greater accessibility. It is used in various forms, including diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments. The benefits of CBA include increasing objectivity, expanding the range of assessment methods, reducing marking loads, and enhancing administrative efficiency, making it a crucial tool for modern education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Computer-based assessments (CBAs) replace paper-based quizzes and tests, allowing learners to complete assessments on digital platforms.
• 😀 The history of computer-based assessments dates back to 1959, though their influence grew in recent decades as technology advanced.
• 😀 The definition of computer-based assessment is the use of digital tools for testing activities, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• 😀 Computer-based assessments are used widely in e-learning environments to replace traditional paper-based tests.
• 😀 The key benefits of CBAs include increased frequency of assessments, immediate feedback, and accessibility from anywhere at any time.
• 😀 CBAs help increase motivation among students by providing frequent assessments and encouraging skill practice.
• 😀 Computer-based assessments broaden the range of knowledge assessed and extend the variety of assessment methods.
• 😀 CBAs provide real-time feedback, helping students address misconceptions or guiding them to relevant learning resources.
• 😀 CBAs can be used for diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments, each serving different educational purposes.
• 😀 Diagnostic assessments through CBAs evaluate a student's baseline knowledge at the start of a course.
• 😀 Formative assessments offer developmental feedback without contributing to final grades, while summative assessments contribute to the final grade based on student performance.

Q & A

What is computer-based assessment?

Computer-based assessment refers to the practice of assigning quizzes and tests to learners on a computer rather than on paper. It can be done using devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

When did computer-based assessments first begin?

Computer-based assessments have been around since 1959, when the first computer-based training system was created, although they only started gaining widespread recognition in recent decades.

What are some benefits of using computer-based assessments in education?

Computer-based assessments can help increase the frequency of assessments, provide immediate feedback, and make tests more accessible anytime and anywhere. They also allow for more objectivity, consistency, and administrative efficiency.

How can computer-based assessments increase the frequency of assessment?

By allowing for easier administration, computer-based assessments can be administered more frequently, encouraging students to engage with learning regularly and practice skills.

What is meant by the term 'digital tools' in the context of computer-based assessment?

'Digital tools' refers to the use of electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones to create and take assessments, rather than just using traditional computers.

What are the different types of assessment focuses that computer-based assessments can be used for?

Computer-based assessments can be used for diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments. Diagnostic assessments evaluate students' baseline knowledge, formative assessments provide ongoing feedback without contributing to final grades, and summative assessments result in a final grade.

How do computer-based assessments offer instant feedback?

Computer-based assessments provide immediate feedback to students, which can include written responses addressing misconceptions or directing students to resources to support their learning.

What is a formative assessment in the context of computer-based assessments?

A formative assessment is used to support student learning and development. It doesn't contribute to a final grade but provides valuable feedback that helps students improve.

How does computer-based assessment improve objectivity and consistency?

By using automated grading systems and standardized procedures, computer-based assessments reduce the potential for human error or bias, making grading more objective and consistent.

How does computer-based assessment aid in administrative efficiency?

Computer-based assessments reduce the workload for instructors and administrators by automating grading, tracking progress, and simplifying logistics, allowing for better use of resources and time.