What is CAA?
CAA is a common term for the use of computers in the assessment of student learning. The term encompasses the use of computers to deliver, mark and analyze assignments or examinations. It also includes the collation and analysis of optically captured data gathered from machines such as optical mark readers (OMR). An additional term is ‘computer-based assessment' (CBA), which refers to an assessment in which the questions or tasks are delivered to a student via a computer terminal. Other terms used to describe CAA activities include computer-based testing, computer-erised assessment, computer-aided assessment and web-based assessment (where browsers are used to deliver tests). The term ‘screen-based assessment encompasses both web-based and computer-based assessment.
Why CAA?
Advantages of CAA
There are many motivations for implementing CAA within a course and it is often a combination of factors which results in CAA being used either formatively or summatively with students. When considering CAA, it is useful to look at the types of assessment which are currently being used and evaluate whether they are effective in assessing relevant disciplinary skills and abilities. No single assessment method is able to evaluate all the skills and abilities which students are expected to develop in their courses; therefore, in order to maintain a balanced assessment profile, CAA objective tests should be used as only one of a number of assessment methods.
The following are some reasons for using CAA:
1. to increase the frequency of assessment, thereby:
¨ motivating students to learn
¨ encouraging students to practise skills
2. to broaden the range of knowledge assessed
3. to increase feedback to students and lecturers
4. to extend the range of assessment methods
5. to increase objectivity and consistency
6. to decrease marking loads
7. to aid administrative efficiency
(Bull J. & Mckenna C. Blueprint for Computer-Assisted Assessment. London: RoutledgeFalmer. 2004)
Practical considerations of CAA
1. Many examinations in China are turning to the point of being computer-assisted, including TOFEL and CET.
2. And the university of the head of this blog is also trying to apply some forms of computer-assisted assessment, in terms of both web-based and offline assessments.
3. The aim of the module of building up a webography into the blog should be accomplished with a relevant topic related to IT.
2 comments:
This should be the latest development of assessment with the use of the computer in different disciplines. If it is handled with care in the field of English language learning and teaching, tremendous benefits will be generated to both teachers and learners.
Sure. In fact, the more I explore into the field of computer-assisted teaching and learning, the more important I find the Information Technology is. Sometimes, when I got interested in some certain activity, my technical skills prevented me from going further into the field. So, a saying goes, "use it, or lose it".
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