HELMComputer Aided

Assessment

Presented by

David PidcockProject Manager

This Workshop…

• Background to HELM

• Role of CAA

• Evidence

• Advantages

• Evaluation

• Testing regime

• Hands On

• Sample Questions

Background to HELM

• Workbooks

• Interactive Courseware

• Computer Aided Assessment

• Why Assess ?

• Regular Testing Drives Student Learning

• Encourages engagement in learning

• Formative aspect - helps student

• Summative aspect - helps staff

• Why CAA ?

Role of CAA

Evidence of engagement

• Increased server activity

• Increased activity in Maths Learning Support Centre

• Feedback from student focus groups

Benefits of CAA

• Formative: helping the student ….

• Accessible to suit time and place

• Provides specific feedback

• Allows frequent practice

• Reduce marking load

• Monitor individual and group progress

• Summative: helping the staff …

Evaluation

• Student concerns - Question Design

• Staff concerns - Security and Unfair Practice

• Range of tolerance

• Credit for method

• Specific feedback

• Separate areas for formative and summative

• Feedback control and vigilance

Loughborough Testing Regime…..

• Starts in week 4 and then at 3 week intervals

• 5 - 10 questions per test - 1 hour

• 6 - 10 tests per year

• Formative: 3-4 days - can be taken without restriction

• Summative: 1-2 days - can only be taken once

Testing Regime

Let’s see some questions….