Digital assessment tools

Digital assessment tools present mathematical tasks onscreen. A response is selected, entered or performed by manipulating onscreen materials.

Good quality digital assessment tools are designed with the following features.

• The concepts and skills being assessed are clearly identified.
• The tasks are designed to be diagnostic and will therefore highlight common errors or misconceptions.
• They are adaptive. The challenge level increases in response to correct answers, or plateaus or ceases in response to errors.
• The marking is automated.
• An informative report is produced for teachers and students.
• The tool is matched with learning objects covering the same concepts and skills. They can be used for learning before and after the assessment.

An advantage of digital assessment tools is that they provide immediate feedback. The results can be discussed and any difficulties resolved.

Another advantage is that the tools can be reused. The student can be easily reassessed after working on any previously detected learning needs.