The use of managed learning environments and automated assessment for supporting large-group teaching

There are many pedagogical and resource issues associated with teaching very large groups. These relate to the delivery of course materials, student support and assessment. This paper describes the delivery and assessment of a course in Accounting and Finance studied by 310 students in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. ´Blackboard´, a Web-based managed learning environment (MLE), was used to support lectures, providing access to a study guide, detailed notes and case studies. The Speedwell multiple-choice examination system was used for summative assessment.