A semi-automated approach to online assessment

Desirable though fully automated assessment of student programming assignments is, it is an area that is beset by difficulties. While it is not contested that some aspects of assessment can be performed much more efficiently and accurately by computer, there are many others that still require human involvement. We have therefore designed a system that combines the strengths of the two approaches, the assessment software calling upon the skills of the human tutor where necessary to make sensible judgements. The technique has been used successfully on a systems programming course for several years, and student feedback has been supportive.