CAA Centre History

The Computer-assisted Assessment (CAA) Centre was part of a three year TLTP3 project on the implementation and evaluation of CAA. Established in October 1998, the Centre aims were to assist staff in higher education with the development and implementation of CAA. The project ended in September, 2001. A small amount of additional funding has allowed some specific workshops to be held and a series of 'Bluepaper' research reports to be written.

For three years the Centre acted as a focus for CAA activity in higher education, providing a one-stop shop which offered:

Up-to-date knowledge of CAA activities
Strategic advice on the implementation of CAA
Generic and subject-specific workshops
Models for the implementation of CAA
Staff development and training material
A yearly international conference on CAA
Consultancy on the implementation and evaluation of CAA

The Centre was located physically at the University of Luton, the lead site for the project, and virtually by this web site. For more information about the Centre's make-up, see the project members and project background.

Project Background

The CAA Centre was part of the Implementation and Evaluation of Computer-assisted Assessment Project, funded by HEFCE and DENI under phase three of the Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP). The project aimed to research and develop protocols for the effective and innovative use of CAA.

The project began on 1 October 1998 and ran until 30 September 2001.

CAA can be used to enhance the student learning experience, expand assessment procedures and potentially provide efficiency gains for academic and support staff. The project sought to promote awareness of the different types of CAA available and their advantages and limitations.

By identifying existing good practice and developing helpful support materials, the project assisted individuals, departments and universities in overcoming the organisational, pedagogical and technical difficulties of using CAA.

Project Aims

To conduct a national survey on the current use of CAA in UK higher education
To identify and develop good practice in embedding CAA within the curriculum
To develop and pilot a range of models and guidelines for the strategic implementation of CAA within departments, faculties and institutions
To produce staff development and training materials to enable dissemination and implementation of good practice
To establish a national CAA Centre

For more information about specific project outcomes please see Outcomes