Electronic assessment of free-text: a development research initiative.

Abstract

A study of web-based learning revealed that web-based learning environments need to move away from static instructional web pages to dynamic pages in order to produce more effective interactive learning. Furthermore, it was found that automated assessment should move beyond rigid technologies such as quizzes or multiple-choice questions taken at the end of a course. This study describes a development research initiative entailing the design, development, implementation and evaluation of an electronic assessment (e-assessment) tool that might increase the effectiveness of automated assessment of free-text and hence the utility of web-based learning. The tool was developed at the University of South Africa (Unisa), a distance-learning institution. Results indicated that the tool has potential utility for both academics and learners.