Cost effective use of simulations in Online Assessment

Use of simulations in online assessment is a new development. Production of simulations can be a costly process and the development of simulation-type questions will only become routine if cost effective use of simulations is possible. To accomplish this, it will be important to maximise re-use of simulations and establish a low cost production process. Initially, staff using simulations in online assessment will be uncertain about the potential of the technique and under confident at developing new questions types. This paper examines the way in which simulations are used in education and how these uses may be assessed. Tables of generic and specific examples of the range of simulation types provide a framework for new staff to work within. The paper examines the level of functionality of the simulation assessment system that would typically be required to deliver the various question types. Finally, the paper uses the framework to outline the potential of two existing exemplars and looks at some of the practicalities of using simulations in online assessment