Collecting Digital Assignments - Which Method do I use When?

Students have at their disposal numerous technologies for creating and delivering their assignments. Deciding what specific technology is best for collecting particular assignment types is not always easy. This hands on session will provide you with some basic tips on determining the best methods for different assignment types. This includes forms, the form server, OIS DropBox, Forum, UTest, and email, among others.

Email

Advantages: 

  • Easy to set up.

Disadvantages: 

  • Fills your mailbox. 
  • No automated entry to GradeA. 
  • No control over file format or content. 

Utest

Advantages:

  • Automated grading of "objective" items
  • Secure browser available
  • Time limits, other "test" features implemented
  • Publishing to GradeA

Disadvantages:

  • Not well suited to long writing assignments
  • Answers limited to text or selecting alternatives
  • Students can't edit/revise

Forum

Advantages:

  • Multiple participants
  • Threaded discussions
  • Journal areas for private entries
  • Publishing to GradeA

Disadvantages:

  • Hard to include items other than text

DropBox

Advantages:

  • Multiple file types can be uploaded
  • Instructor control over file types
  • Instructor control over uploading, downloading, editing
  • Publishing to GradeA

Disadvantages:

  • ?

Forms

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

  • Initial set-up cumbersome