Enhanced methods of coursework provision in computer networks

Many computing-related programmes and modules have many problems caused with large class sizes, large-scale plagiarism, module franchising, and an increasing requirement from students for increased amounts of hands-on, practical work. This paper presents a practical computer networks module which uses a mixture of on-line examinations and a practical skills-based test to assess student performance. Many academics have observed a strong link between examination and coursework performance, where academically strong students generally work hard for both examinations and courseworks. This paper shows that it is possible to design hand-on practicals which have a strong correlation between performance in practical skills-based tests and in examination-type assessments. The paper shows results which grades students for two on-line, multiple choice tests, and then analyses the average time these students take to complete a practical on-line test It shows that, on average, the average time taken to complete the test increases for weaker students. Along with this the paper shows that female students in the practical test out-perform male students by a factor of 25%.