The design of Multimedia Assessment Objects

Computer programs delivering MCQ date back to the 1970s (Morgan, 1979) and with the evolution of technology and research more sophisticated question styles have emerged within Computer Assisted Assessment systems enabling diverse assessment methods. Many universities have invested in learning management systems (LMS) which provide assessment features but these are often limited in contrast to specialist CAA software (Pretorius, 2004). For example Questionmark offers a diverse array of question styles that enable graphical elements to be incorporated to facilitate the development of drag and drop style questions and this feature is not available within many LMS. The inclusion and integration of other forms of multimedia questions comprising of simulations, video and audio into Questionmark is feasible but requires development in an authoring environment such as Macromedia Flash. However, the adoption of these multimedia style questions have largely been ignored due to feasibility reasons (Bennett et al., 1999).