Assessment design: video as an assessment tool

The Interaction Design module for second year undergraduates in Computer Science and related disciplines at the University of Southampton has presented important challenges in assessment in recent times given two important constraints: firstly, the large increase in student numbers (from less than 80 in recent years to over 160 in 2016/17). Secondly, the fact that it is difficult to measure the intended learning outcomes of the module in a scalable manner.
In particular, students are required to conduct qualitative research, which in turns informs the creation of prototypes for technical solutions to student-selected problems from diverse areas of interest. Providing students such diversity of choices encourages creativity and freedom of expression, as well as their application of the theoretical background of human-computer interaction.
This presentation explains the authors’ approach to the main coursework assessment, and how the medium of video has allowed for the expression of creativity and application of knowledge, whilst allowing for considerable ease of marking compared with traditional alternatives. We were able to provide feedback on this work in a timely and comprehensive manner, which has been reported by students as beneficial.