Using e-assessment to support distance learners of science

This paper describes the use of online interactive computer marked assignments (iCMAs) in a range of physics and general science modules at the UK Open University (OU), and an evaluation, jointly funded by the Physics Innovations Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (piCETL) and the Centre for Open Learning of Mathematics, Science, Computing and Technology (COLMSCT) into student engagement with these iCMAs. Although the work has been done in the context of one particular large distance-learning university, the software used is open source and the evaluation has wider implications for those seeking to find the most appropriate way to use e-assessment to support their students' learning