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Short
answer free-text questions are routinely used in paper-based
formative and summative assessments, but not in eAssessment.
With all the benefits that eAssessment offers, the limited
choice of question type is a severe constraint. But now if
you want to go beyond closed form questions in your eAssessment,
you can.
IAT's FreeText
Author software allows you to add computerised marking
of short-answer free-text questions to your eLearning and
eAssessment materials. IAT's FreeText marking software has
been modelled on the way human markers mark, and makes allowances
for poor spelling, punctuation and grammar. It has been used
in projects with the QCA, SQA, Edexcel, DfES, and the BBC.
And with FreeText Author, you can now easily configure the
software to mark your questions, all using
a point-and-click interface.
The software employs Natural Language Processing
(NLP) technology to provide robust computerised marking of
short-answer free-text questions. The marking engine matches
on the content of responses, without penalising students
unduly for poor spelling, grammar or syntax - similar to the
way in which human-markers work.
- Student responses are intelligently
matched against a number of pre-defined model answers which
constitute the mark scheme. Free-text author makes defining
the model answers simple.
- Marking accuracy of 95 - 99% (relative
to a 'perfect' marker) is obtainable with suitable questions.
- As an 'assessment for learning' tool,
the software can be configured to look for common misconceptions
in student responses, and provide tailored feedback to students.
IAT's marking engine is now available via
web services, and offers simple integration with eAssessment
platforms. And if you use QuestionMark Perception, we will
soon be releasing a version which integrates directly with
that platform.
If you would like to discuss your eAssessment
project, please contact
us for an informal discussion.
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