An evaluation of the multimedia personal computer as an assessment tool

The aim of this research was to investigate and evaluate how computerised assessment
could be progressed using current advances in technology (1993-1996) such as the
increased computing power and storage capacity, and multimedia capabilities. This
research would be conducted with respect to a typical chemistry degree course.

After a detailed literature survey it was concluded that the major computerised
assessment technique was the multiple-choice format or a hybrid of it. A typical
degree course was analysed in order to determine the learning outcomes and if these
could be assessed by computerisation. Of the assessment methods used in a degree
course, it was found that 57% of these could be computerised to some extent. These
assessment methods were found to be objective in nature.

This research focused on investigating the feasibility of producing computerised
assessment methods that in effect used the computer as an electronic notepad and an
on-line tutor. Students would be able to input each step of their solution to a problem.
The student would be assessed on that step of their solution and not only on the end
answer.

It was found that computerised assessment could be extended beyond the multiplechoice
format to assessing students' process skills in problem solving. Students can
input each stage of their solution to a problem and receive feedback in real-time as to
whether or not their methodology is correct.

Several areas have been investigated: practical chemistry, in particular apparatus
assembly; physical chemistry, mathematical problem solving; organic chemistry,
reaction mechanisms; chemical information and retrieval. During these investigations
several prototypes of the applications were developed. These prototypes were
developed using Visual Basic 3.0 Professional for Windows 3.1. These prototypes
serve as the data that support this research.