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Short
answer free-text questions are used in the classroom,
in class tests, in revision, and of course in real examinations,
but not in eLearning. Teachers use them in preference to closed
questions (such as multiple-choice) because they reinforce
learning, help develop cognitive skills, and assess understanding.
And, of course, because they are so widely used in the all-important
examinations.
So why aren't they in your eLearning products
? Because until now you haven't been able to mark them by
computer. Well, with the release of FreeText
Author, you can.
FreeText Author allows you to add computerised
marking of short-answer free-text questions to your eLearning
and eAssessment products. IAT's FreeText marking software
has been modelled on the way teachers 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 accuracies of 95 - 99% (relative
to a 'perfect' teacher) are 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 technology offers simple integration
with new or existing eLearning products. The marking engine
is now available via web services, so you can easily provide
server side marking, or call it directly from Flash. We aim
to provide you with a competitive advantage by increasing
your product differentiation. You control your content, our
software takes care of the marking. It's that simple.
Contact
us today for an informal and confidential discussion on
your eLearning and eAssessment requirements.
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