These slides were produced for a teaching enhancement event about online assessment. The conference was raising the potential for using the virtual learning environment as a vehicle for different forms of assessment - including synchronous (this presentation) and asynchronous testing and use of the GradeMark feature for online annotation and feedback.

1. Teaching Enhancement Event: Online Assessment
Using Blackboard for
Synchronous Online Testing
Dr Chris Willmott
Dept of Biochemistry,
University of Leicester
cjrw2@le.ac.uk
University of
Leicester

2. What?
• Use of online test tool within Blackboard to produce
one summative task taken “simultaneously” by all
students on module

3. Context
• BS1015 Introduction to Biochemistry
• Core module, 2011-12 n= 279
• Online test of knowledge learned via practical (lab)
component of course
• 50 minute test, 15% of mark for module
• Originally set up by Christine Wells & Jo Badge

4. Not just MCQs!
• The test builder allows you to write questions in a
variety of styles
- multiple answer
- matching
- ordering
- true/false
- numerical calculations

5. Benefits
• An assessment that would take many person-hours
to mark by hand is scored instantaneously
• The students can be given their score automatically
as soon as the test is complete
• You can link completion of other tasks (e.g. module
review form) to the test =  completion levels
• Aids diversity in marking of practicals themselves, i.e.
more peer-marking and formative components

6. Disadvantages
• Need a substantial number of computer terminals at
the same time
• Combined with need for proactive invigilation to stop
internet browsing*, will require multiple invigilators
• There is considerable time commitment from person
coordinating the task to:
(a) write the questions, and
(b) plan the logistics of who, when and where
* This cannot currently be inactivated centrally at UoL

7. When synchronous isn’t synchronous
• If cohort size >available PCs will need >1 “sitting”
• Need capacity to keep cohorts apart
e.g. sessions back-to-back, no-one allowed to
leave early, different entrances/exits?
• Adds to need for invigilators
• BS1015 in 2011
- 5 venues at 9 am (n=170, 9 invigilators)
- 4 venues at 10 am (n = 111, 8 invigilators)
• A total of 11 staff involved for 1-2 hours

8. Safeguards
• test can be password-protected and time-released
(but don’t make the password too complex)
• total system failure? Get students to write-down
answers too (Chemistry)
• needs >1 invigilator per room and mobile phone
contact between staff in different venues

9. Other practicalities
• students need to know when and where to go
• they need to be clear on rules and etiquette for task
• provide plain (coloured) paper for workings
- collect in at end
• students with extra time allowance and/or special
circumstances
• ensuring all machines switched on
• some machines will not be working, budget for 90%
of stated capacity
• alternative arrangements for absent students

10. Any Questions?
E-mail: cjrw2@le.ac.uk
Twitter: cjrw
Slideshare: cjrw2
Delicious: chriswillmott
Blogs: www.bioethicsbytes.wordpress.com
www.biosciencecareers.wordpress.com
www.lefthandedbiochemist.wordpress.com University of
Leicester