Embeddedness of Mathematics e-Assessment and Attitudes Affecting Adoption

Deirdre Casey, Julie Crowley

Abstract


The Numbas e-assessment system was first introduced to Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) in 2014. It has been implemented in several modules and is used regularly by a number of Lecturers. The aim of this case study was to investigate how embedded Numbas is in the Mathematics department in CIT and to examine the perceptions of the lecturing staff which have led to their individual adoptions of the Numbas e-assessment tool. The results of a survey of lecturers within the department show that the use of Numbas is common and varied and that Lecturers’ attitudes towards Numbas are positive. Several themes arose around ways to increase or improve the use of Numbas including the need for ongoing training and ideas for the broadening of use. Lessons learned could be applied to advancing the integration of Numbas in Cork Institute of Technology but may also be of use to others hoping to increase adoption of e-assessment in Mathematics within their institutions.


Keywords


Mathematics; e-Assessment; diffusion of innovations; implementation; computer aided assessment

Full Text:

PDF

References


Biggs, J. & Tang, C., 2007. Teaching for Quality Learning at University. 3rd Edition ed. s.l.:Open University Press.

Carroll, T. et al., 2017. Numbas as an engagement tool for first-year Business Studies students. MSOR Connections, 15(2), pp. 42-50.

Creswell, J. W., 2009. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitatvie and Mixed Methods Approaches. 3rd Edition ed. s.l.:SAGE Publications.

Foster, B., Perfect, C. & Youd, A., 2012. A completely client-side approach to e-assessment and e-learning of mathematics and statistics. International Journal of e-Assessment, 2(2).

Hofstede, G., 1983. The cultural relativity of organizational practices and theories. Journal of International Business Studies, 14(2), pp. 75-89.

Jenkins, M., 2004. Unfulfilled Promise: formative assessment using computer-aided assessment. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education.

Loots, I., Fakir, R. & Roux, A., n.d. An evaluation of the challenges and benefits of e-assessment implementation in developing countries: a case study from the University of Pretoria. Cape Town, s.n., pp. 418 -420.

McCann, A. L., 2010. Factors affecting the adoption of an e-assessment system. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 35(7).

Moore, G. C. & Benbasat, I., 1991. Development of an Instrument to Measure the Perceptions of Adopting an Information Technology Innovation. Information Systems Research, September, 2(3), pp. 192-222.

Rogers, E., 1962. Diffusion of Innovations. New York: Free Press.

Sim, G., Holifield, P. & Brown, M., 2004. Implementation of computer assisted assessment: lessons from the literature. Research in Learning Technology, 12(3), pp. 215 - 229.

Warburton, B., 2009. Quick win or slow burn: modelling UK HE CAA uptake. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 34(3), pp. 257 - 272.

Zeng, W., Huang, F., Yu, L. & Chen, S., 2018. Towards a learning-oriented assessment to improve students' learning-a critical review of the literature. Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Accountability, August, 30(3), pp. 211 - 250.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.21100/msor.v17i3.989

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.