ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the main forms of computer-assisted assessment, their use in a sociology undergraduate programme, and raises issues regarding their use. It is based on experiences of developing and implementing such forms of assessment in some areas of the sociology curriculum at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. Computer assisted assessment refers to any form of assessment where the delivery and or the marking of assessments is carried out by computer technology. Two main forms are: computer-based assessment and Paper-based assessment. Computer technology is a useful means of providing a ‘once-and-for-all’ assessment. Assessment should play an integral part in teaching, its evaluation and in the quality loop which leads back to changes and improvements in the curriculum and how it is delivered. The nature of ‘Principles of Social Inquiry’ is to provide a solid foundation of knowledge that will be the basis of Level Two research methods courses that will use written assessments.
