Assessment of Students in Higher Education—Information and Communication Technology Tools and Tips

Abstract

The aim of this research project relates to assessment approaches at the University of South Africa (UNISA). The Learning Management System is used to address students’ first-year experience in an Information and Communication Technology Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) context. In this study a socio-critical model was suggested as a framework for improving student success in ODeL at UNISA, and constructivist instructional strategies to e-learning were applied in a case study of a web development course. A mixed-method research approach was adopted, which involved the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. The main findings of the study provide insight into the uptake of and assessment results for self-assessments, multiple-choice, blog and project-based assessments. The implications of the results are that there is a clear need in higher education for the transformation of teaching that is in line with emerging technologies.