For many reasons the use of computer-assisted assessment (CAA) is increasing.
Although computer-based examinations increase in use, research is lacking about
students’ perceptions of online assessment in general and of categorized fields of
online assessment systems. The aim of the study was to investigate students’
perceptions of the use of CAA and to investigate the potential for using student
feedback in the validation of assessment. To determine the students’ perceptions of
online assessment, an examination Web site was developed and implemented as
part of the assessment of Masaüstü Yayincilik (Desktop Publishing), a course given
by the Department of Computer Science at Kocaeli University, Turkey. The study
was descriptive, using a paper-based survey and interviews for data collection.
Participants were third-year students enrolled in the course. Descriptive analysis
of the questionnaire and interview data showed that the most prominent features
of the online assessment system were immediate feedback, randomized question
order, item analysis of the questions, and obtaining the scores immediately after
the exam. Participants reported the effectiveness of the online assessment system.
Although there is much room for improvement in online assessment systems in the
near future, such systems are accepted by computer-friendly youth. (Authors' abstract)