Establishing the current extent and nature of usage of Online Assessment Tools in Computing-related Departments at South African Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

The use of online assessment and computer-based testing is on the increase. A survey was conducted to investigate the extent and nature of use of online assessment tools in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology academic units in South African tertiary institutions, as well as satisfaction on the part of academics who are users. This was done to set the context for future research to determine the requirements for online assessment tools and systems, and criteria for evaluating them. The extent of usage was found to be low, but on the increase. There were 36 respondents from 9 institutions; 16 of whom are regular users of online assessment, mainly using multiple-choice questions. The systems are employed more for formative than summative assessment. Most usage is for large first-level classes. The benefits and barriers mentioned by respondents correspond closely with those identified in a literature study on use internationally.