Integrating TRIADS CBA into a Biology curriculum
Richard C. Rayne and Glenn K. Baggott
r.rayne@bbk.ac.uk
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/olaaf/

The situation
adults (aged >20 y), full-time employed
variety of educational backgrounds
reflect the cultural diversity typical of London
classes: evening, once per week

Goal: Improve Learning Support
CBA can play a key role�
forces author to carefully consider key learning objectives
formative and summative modes
web-delivered
sophisticated question styles permit tests of
higher-order learning
CBAF is even better
F = feedback

TRIADS CBA
TRIADS = TRIpartite Assessment and Delivery System
��a toolkit for users of Authorware Professional designed to facilitate rapid and easy production of computer aided assessments. The sign-on, question sequencing, results calculation and filing are handled automatically.�
http://www.derby.ac.uk/assess/webdemo/

TRIADS Authoring & Delivery (1)
Code templates for around thirty generic question styles
Multiple-choice/response types
Move object types (label diagram, classification, sequence)
Text/Numeric entry
Graph plotting
Draw Object
Combinations

TRIADS Authoring & Delivery (2)
Authorware packages assessments for either:
Web/Intranet delivery
Requires Authorware Web Player Plug-in
LAN/Local delivery (as an .exe)
Results are filed either locally or back to FTP server

OLAAF: Rationale
OLAAF = OnLine Assessment and Feedback
HEFCE FDTL4
The gaps:
few tools available to guide the author in composing appropriate questions and feedback
few resources to guide the author in combining questions in assessments in a way that enhances student learning

Objectives of the OLAAF Project
Develop and disseminate generic guidelines for the construction of CBAF
through collaborative efforts of the project consortium and other OLAAF participants
Major output of this collaboration:
a �CBAF Author�s Toolkit�
resources available via the web, on CD, and in print
will support authors in the design, delivery and evaluation of CBAF
guidance will, where possible, be evidence-based

OLAAF will focus on�
Test �higher order learning�
i.e. cognitive levels above recall
ReCAP*
Recall (= Bloom�s �knowledge�)
Comprehension
Application
Problem solving (= analysis + synthesis + evaluation)
* Imrie (1995) Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education 20 (2): 175-189.

OLAAF will focus on�
Assessment Construction
not �question banks�, rather�
how to most effectively combine question styles to promote and test higher learning
High Quality Feedback
in formative and summative assessment

OLAAF Consortium
Birkbeck College, University of London (Lead Site)
Biological & Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences
University of Plymouth
Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences
London Metropolitan University
Biological & Applied Sciences
University of Brighton
Institute of Nursing & Midwifery
University of Wales College of Medicine
Dental School
University of Birmingham
Civil Engineering

Preparing students for TRIADS
Test the subject matter, not �TRIADS skills�
Provide opportunities for supervised practice
Provide support materials
Author questions carefully and consistently

1. Practice opportunities
Year 1, Autumn Term
a �practice� test anda �low stakes� test
paper-based �tutorial� given
Year 1, Spring Term
frequent TRIADS testing a key feature of Molecular Cell Biology unit

2. Support: print & web
logging in to TRIADS tests
examples of question styles
test-taking strategies
explanation of results output
obtaining Authorware plug-in

Logging in�
Demo shows this

Examples of question styles�
word document handout

Test-taking strategies�
Clearing incorrect responses
emphasise click �done�, click �no�
How to use swap areas
Cues: colour-coded answer slots and labels
Paging behaviour
one-by-one; skip and go back
Revisiting questions
Why are they blank!?

Results output�

3. Consistent authoring
Careful commands with consistent usage between questions
refer to labels and answer slots
Sequence: ��place labels in order to describe the sequence of events in��
Label diagram: ��use the labels to identify��
Logical coding
e.g. layout, colour/texture coding

Place in curriculum? (present)
Year 1:
2 of 3 course units
Foundations of Biology
Molecular Cell Biology
Year 2:
Summer vacation unit
Field Biology
1 of 4 units
Cellular Metabolism

Place in curriculum? (future)
Year 3/4:
Statistics for Biologists
Animal Physiology & the Environment
Other?
MSc Physiology
Physiology of Respiratory and Circulatory Systems

Acknowledgements
Birkbeck College Development Fund
The TRIADS team
Dijana Maric
(Authorware Programming, TRIADS admin)