Dr. Ray Harper
University of Luton, Luton, UK

ABSTRACT:

This interactive session will outline the main features of computer-based assessments and introduce the main features of the WebOL software for (i)producing questions for web-based (self) assessment and tutorials and (ii)for organising web pages into projects/courseware. It is suitable for tutors and trainers interested in constructing assessments and courseware based on web pages. No knowledge of web page construction is required,knowledge of the use of a browser would be of advantage and a general knowledge of using a PC is assumed.

The place of formative assessment in the curriculum will be outlined and the main types of computer-based question styles in currently available software will be introduced.The advantage of the flexibility of materials based on web pages will be outlined: (i) platform independence through delivery on PC, Mac, etc. with any OS that supports a modern browser and (ii) media independence through delivery via the World Wide Web, Intranet/LAN, local hard drive, CD-ROM,floppy disc or other removable media.

Problems of "customer resistance" will be discussed including pressures on time and learning curves for using new software. The advantages and disadvantages of systems for generating web pages that shield the user from HTML/JavaScript will be discussed. The disadvantage for the future development of projects of having standard hyperlinks for navigation between pages will be outlined. How WebOL avoids standard hyperlinks will be described. The manner in which WebOL uses fill-in forms to automate the construction of questions and projects will be outlined. This is a development of the original WebOL system based on templates that was presented at CUBE 98 (www.liv.ac.uk/ctibiol/cube98/html/proceedings.html).

Participants will practice the construction and editing of questions and of projects using WebOL. This only requires completion of simple fill-informs. No knowledge of HTML/JavaScript is required. WebOL is available free from the web-site (www.luton.ac.uk/biology/webol). At the end of the session participants should have completed the construction of a few questions on topics in their subject area, collated these into an assessment project and edited the project to form an alternative version. The session will demonstrate that software can be easy to use and allow the rapid construction of learning materials. Participants will be encouraged to provide feedback on their experience. Participants will benefit from bringing image files which may be used to construct questions.

The participants will experience how software can be easy to use. They will discover that assessments based on a variety of question styles can be constructed rapidly. They will in future be able to use the freely available WebOL software to construct assessments and other web-based courseware for their courses.

Dr. Ray Harper
Dept. Biology & Health Science
University of Luton
Park Square
Luton
Bed's.
LU1 3JU
UK

Phone: 01582 734111 Ext. 2195
Email: ray.harper@luton.ac.uk
Website: http://www.luton.ac.uk/biology/webol