Using on-line testing for civil engineering studies

The use of online resources in the assessment of engineering modules is generally being encouraged in HE institutions. This paper reflects upon the experience of open book testing of first year engineering students in two elements in a continuously assessed two semester long module. This mode of assessment is more convenient for the large percentage of part time students on the programme, who only attend one day per week. A longitudinal study over a five year period shows that not all students like to be assessed in this way, even though evidence indicates improvement in pass rates over those achieved from more traditional modes of testing.