An electronic web-based assessment system

Abstract

In keeping with the outcome-based assessment outlined by ABET's Education Criteria 2000, the School of Engineering at the University of Bridgeport has defined fifteen general student outcomes. These outcomes form the basis of its instructional program and assessment activities. In assessing and monitoring the attainment of these outcomes, formal assessment tools such as test and quizzes as well as assignment and project reports prove to be major indicators. This study is an attempt to perform the assessment process using the Internet and its capabilities. Presented in the paper is a new technique for presentation of relevant materials for accreditation under ABET and CSAB Criteria for Engineering and Computer Science programs. The course materials from all courses offered in Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 is gathered and organized into separate course websites. Our electronic assessment (e-assessment) system (http://assesseng.bridgeport.edu/) is designed and implemented such that it allows the assessment evaluator to browse in a logical and convenient manner starting from the program objectives and outcomes to specific course materials where they are implemented. This process also includes browsing the course versus outcomes matrix and individual course grids. The feedback loop is closed with the evaluation of the course versus outcomes and outcomes versus ABET criteria matrix. Program objectives and program constituents such as the students and alumni are also involved in the process. The achievement of the program outcomes and objectives is at the heart of the assessment process. In this paper, the focus is on the program outcomes and how they are achieved at the course level.