Online Originality Checking and Online Assessment - an Extension of Academics or Disruption for Academics

Abstract

There are many computer technologies being used in modern higher education. However, an investigation of when technology becomes extension of academics or disruption for academics is necessary to find out the key concerns about both the pedagogical use of technology and underachievement in the pedagogical use of technology. The paper discusses the key findings of a pilot research project, the academic experiences for an innovative online originality checking and assessment system”. Academics from 4 faculties in the University of Glamorgan have provided experience sharing of both positive and negative experience of the system. The main finding is that such an excellent tool did enhance learning and assessment experience. Academics, regardless of their technological competence, experienced an innovative end-to-end online submission and assessment which eliminated the frustration of storing uncollected or unread assignment feedback, a speeding up of the assessment process and were provided with a flexible marking facility. Interestingly, “computer technology as an extension of academics” only realise when priority is given to the pedagogy over technology; whereas “computer technology is a disruption for academics” when sole focus is given to the technology.