Integrating Digital Ink and Paper in a Learning Content Management System for Rapid Learner Assessemnt

Digital paper is a rapid developing technology whose range of application is increasing everyday. By integrating this technology in a Learning Content Management System (LCMS) it is possible to support in various respects the learner evaluation process. Paper supports both written and graphical expression, whether it is required by the subject matter (e.g., design diagrams, flow charts and so on) or it is a preferred expressive mode for the learner. On the instructor side it is possible to design mixed evaluation (e.g., multiple choice plus open questions). We present a simple, low-cost open source solution that integrates digital paper with other testing modalities and present some preliminary findings of a field study in which the students have taken a test by digital pen and by Tablet PC. Digital paper is a cost-effective solution with a low learning curve, and integration in a LCMS leads to a gain in efficiency in the overall evaluation process without trading-off the quality of feedback.