Use of a Spreadsheet Based Marking System for Assisting Learning and Assessment

This paper describes the development of a spreadsheet-based marking system and its use in first and second year accounting courses at the University of Sydney in 1994 and 1995. A live demonstration of the system is conducted as an integral part of the paper. The paper begins with a relatively brief depiction of the two-fold motivation for the system’s development: (1) the desire to provide large numbers of students with timely and accurate feedback on assignments in a resource constrained environment and (2) to foster use of the personal computer as a problem solving tool through development of expertise with a computer spreadsheet. The first motivation is in essence an integral part of one institution’s strategy to deal with both the current economic environment and the needs of its customers (students and employers). The second motivation is a direct response to the changing needs of today’s students in that the degree of data analysis required for much of their work cannot, in practice, be undertaken without the use of a computer. A basically non-technical description of the functioning of the system is provided. Various features of the system are described such as the minimal instructor involvement required, student feedback options available, data security, instructor adjustable marking keys and mechanisms used to reduce over-collaboration between students. The flexibility of this development is discussed with regards to its use as either a learning tool or an assessment mechanism. The paper concludes with a description of the experience at the University of Sydney in 1994 and 1995 with different methods of use. The conclusion includes the results of student evaluations as to their experience with the system