Development Fund Overview: Efficacy and appropriate use of electronic assessment techniques for computing subjects.

Following the 2008 National Student Survey results, an investigation into the underlying reasons for low satisfaction with assessment and feedback amongst computing students was held to examine whether innovative electronic assessment and feedback methods such as phase tests utilising electronic marking and feedback, enhance student learning and to investigate the impact of these methods on staff. The staff who participated in the research found the perceptions of students to be surprising and valuable confirmation of the value of the testing method and the willingness of students to engage with it, a view which they were initially sceptical of. The experiences of staff who currently create and run phase tests and the perceptions of students from the questionnaires have enabled the project team to draw up practical guidance for staff members who may consider this form of testing.