Title: E-assessment with multiple choice questions: a qualitative study of teachers' opinions and experience regarding the new assessment strategy

Authors: Rosalina Babo; Jarkko Suhonen

Addresses: Information Systems Department, Polytechnic f Porto/ISCAP, Rua Jaime Lopes Amorim, s/n. 4465-004, S. Mamede de Infesta, Porto, Portugal; School of Computing, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101, Joensuu, Finland ' School of Computing, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101, Joensuu, Finland

Abstract: An e-assessment strategy, consisting of multiple choice questions (MCQ) within a Moodle learning management system (LMS) was implemented in a higher education institution to assist teachers with the assessment process. Considering that the new procedure induced major changes to the existing assessment, affecting students, teachers and staff, this paper aims to analyse teachers' perceptions through a qualitative study, applying a focus group constituted by senior lecturers who used MCQ tests in their courses. Resulting in the identification of advantages and disadvantages, eliciting improvements and exploring whether MCQ develops and evaluates the same knowledge and skills compared to existing solutions. In sum, the study's main result was the confirmation that e-assessment with MCQ remains reliable in any degree program course, although preferably when combined with another kind of assessment, such as a problem-based group project, which is effective in developing competencies and skills that MCQ are not.

Keywords: e-learning; e-assessment; learning management system; LMS; Moodle; qualitative research; multiple choice questions; MCOs; database management systems; DBMSs; spreadsheet; focus group; group work.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2018.095964

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2018 Vol.13 No.3, pp.220 - 248

Published online: 05 Nov 2018 *

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