Chris Smaill

Enhancing Learning with Online Tools: an Action-research Study of Web-based Learning Andassessment Software Chris Smaill

This book surveys the literature in the areas ofassessment, feedback and computer-assisted learning, and identifies best practice. It then tells the storyof the development and implementation of OASIS(Online Assessment System with Integrated Study), aWeb-based tool that delivers individualized practiceand assessment tasks, marks student responses, supplies prompt feedback, and logs student activity. Although OASIS was created initially to manageincreasing workloads, it also appeared to enhancestudent learning. This book also outlines andvalidates the action-research paradigm, and thendescribes the action research itself which wasundertaken to confirm this enhancement. An analysisof the extensive data collected by the softwareitself, course surveys, written responses frompresent and past students, and recorded interviewswith instructors and students, showed that studentsand instructors judged OASIS to improve studentskills, understanding and achievement. This book willbe useful to professionals working in the areas ofassessment, feedback and computer-assisted learning. Intending or practising action researchers will alsofind the account of the research invaluable.