Question machine: A tool for creating online assessments in the blended learning and Moodle environment

Abstract

Question Machine is a software program designed and written by Andy Fendall, a staff member in the School of Information Technology at Wintec. The program has been well received across the world with hundreds of copies installed each month and the program being available in fourteen languages. Question Machine provides a user friendly Windows interface for creating a variety of quiz questions. Multi choice, true false, gap-fill/cloze, short answer and numerical are the formats available for generating questions. Sophisticated and challenging questions can be generated using screen captures from existing digital material. Once a test is generated it can then be imported simply into a Moodle site. Question machine supports the blended learning environment that allows students to engage with their learning at a place and time of their choice. A particular feature of Question Machine is the ability to provide student feedback where questions are incorrectly answered. The workshop provides an opportunity to meet the author and to hear the presenters reflect on their experience of using quizzes in a blended learning environment; to hear stories of increased student engagement and how technology can reduce work load through self marking