LUS – a tablet-based NFC system to facilitate instant database archival of laboratory assessment

Abstract

This paper describes and evaluates a recently developed electronic archival system which allows for the rapid assignment of marks in a laboratory – like environment. Traditionally, laboratory marking has been performed using a paper-based system where demonstrators assign students marks based on student achievement or in conjunction with a marking rubric. The traditional paper-based approach suffers heavily from inefficiency and data security. The demonstrated laboratory unification system (LUS) facilitates criterion referenced marking whilst improving security, accuracy and efficiency. LUS enables demonstrators to instantly update student marks via WIFI and Near Field Communication using a tablet or smartphone. The system is evaluated based on measured improvements in efficiency and on evaluations completed by users of the system.

Keywords:

• Electronic assessment
• student feedback
• laboratory marking