The Computer Based Assessment project at the University of Wolverhampton has produced a range of programs to replace traditional written tests with computerised versions. The primary objective was to save the lecturer time by leaving the program to write, mark give feedback on the test! Our research (see the references below) has shown that these tests can also have a significant impact on student learning outcomes, particularly increasing subject confidence and perception of understanding.

Each program:

• Is 100% reusable and totally secure as it is designed to be able to write 80,000 different exams!
• Doubles as a learning resource for students to practice from and get intelligent feedback from.
• Marks the test and calculates the grade instantly at the end.
• Gives the student a printout of the exam, their answers and the correct answers.

References related to this project:

• Thelwall, M. (2000). Computer Based Assessment: A versatile educational tool, Journal of Computers and Education, 34, 37-49.
• Thelwall, M. (1999). Open Access Randomly Generated Tests: Assessment to Drive Learning, In Brown, S., Race, P. and Bull, J., Computer Assisted Assessment in Higher Education, London: Kogan Page, 1999. ISBN 0 7494 3035 4.
• Thelwall, M. (1999). Randomly generated motivation from Maths and Stats Tests, Maths and Stats, 10(1), 13-16.
• Thelwall, M. (1998). A unique style of computer assisted assessment, Alt-J, 6(2), 49-57.
• Thelwall, M. (1998). The advantages of randomly generated Computer-Based Assessment, Proceedings of the Computer Assisted Assessment Conference, Loughborough, June 1998.
• Thelwall, M. (1996). Computer Based Assessment at the University of Wolverhampton, Alt-C 96.