Assessment Tools (Ultra)

Turnitin is the most popular choice for individual text-based assignment submission (i.e. Word, PDF and PowerPoint files). Turnitin includes text-matching functionality and a similarity report which can be used to investigate possible cases of plagiarism. Turnitin also has online marking and feedback capabilities.

The Blackboard assignment tool is an alternative option, it is recommended for all non-text based assessments (i.e videos, Excel and weblinks) where a Similarity report is not viable/required.

Note: It is recommended that course coordinators configure online assignment submission so that students only need to submit once, and not to both a Blackboard assignment and Turnitin assignment submission link. 

The Blackboard Assignment tool is recommended for group assessment that does not require a similarity report. Using the Blackboard groups and assignment tool in combination allows you to set up group project submission links. Any student in the group can submit the assignment and all members will automatically receive the assignment results and feedback. 

The Blackboard Groups tool can be used to streamline student group enrolments, although groups are not connected to Turnitin assignment submissions. For more information, refer to the Groups tool page.

Turnitin is recommended for group assignments that require a similarity report, although it does not have built-in group functionality. One member of the group will need to submit on behalf of all group members and marks will need to be manually entered for non-submitting group members. The student who submits the assignment will need to download the feedback and share it with the other group members.

Tip: Use gradebook filters to view each group to make entering results easier.

The Buddycheck group peer assessment tool allows you to collect student responses on the contribution of individual group members (Likert or Divided points) and to adjust the group results based on one of two options: average or PAF (Peer Assessment Factor). The tool also allows you to view collated responses and facilitate moderation of results. For more information, refer to the Buddycheck tool page.

Note: It is recommended that course coordinators configure online assignment submission so that students only need to submit once, and not to both a Blackboard assignment and Turnitin assignment submission link. 

Handwritten assignments (eg. math working, chemistry equations, hand-drawn pictures and diagrams) can be converted to digital documents by students using a phone application or by staff scanning documents in bulk using a scanning machine. Turnitin GradeScope is recommend for the submission/upload and marking of handwritten assessment

Warning: A Turnitin Similarity report will not be available for this document format.

Guides for converting handwritten documents to digital documents:

Scan to PDF via Onedrive (Android) by Microsoft

Scan to PDF via Onedrive (iOS) by Microsoft

Note: These are not the only options available for converting handwritten documents to digital documents.

There are two options for non-submission assignments such as oral presentations, vivas, performances or physical artifacts:

1. A non-submission Turnitin assignment. 
2. Offline submission via the BB assignment tool.

Note: You may want to consider changing the design of your assessment to include file submissions, such as presentation files (i.e. a PowerPoint or script) which will allow you to use standard options. Refer to the Individual assignments and Group assignments sections.

Warning: As per the assessment procedure (86), some live oral or practical assessment items may need to be recorded and retained for re-mark purposes.

UQ's video server, Echo360, can be used by students to submit video or audio assignments. You can also set up submission links using the Blackboard assignment tool or Inspera which allows you to use the online marking function to provide comments and feedback.

Students typically record with their phone or use EchoVideo to generate their video.

There are three video or audio assignment submission options:

1. Set up a Blackboard assignment and have students use the EchoVideo Submission functionality in the text editor to upload and embed the file.

a. For individual video assignments, students simply submit their assignment, which then can be marked through Gradebook.

b. For group video assignments, the Blackboard groups and assignment tool can be used in combination so one student, on behalf of the group, submits the assignment which then can be marked through Gradebook. See the Group assignments section. 

2. Students upload their video or audio file to 'Echo360' and contribute it to their course discussion board.
3. Students submit to an Inspera assessment

The ePortfolio system can be used for work integrated learning, reflective, showcase and progressive assessments across a program or major. Assessments can be mapped to outcomes (i.e. professional standards, learning outcomes or graduate attributes) and student progress against these outcomes can be tracked.

Features

• Assessment feedback can be provided by non-UQ staff (i.e. Practicum supervisors).
• A range of rubrics are available including points, percentages and qualitative.
• Final results include decimal points.
• Comment bank functionality.
• Tracking of outcomes across a program or major.
• Learning analytics.

Limitations

• Rubrics do not allow mark ranges.
• No group assignment functionality.

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There are three options for formative and low stakes quizzes:

1. H5P Quiz (question set) content type
2. A Blackboard test. 
3. Inspera assessment

There are two options for summative exams that allow for computer assisted marking.

Turnitin GradeScope can be used for the submission and AI-assisted or manual marking of computer code assignments.

Features

• Submission and marking of individual or group assignments.
• Code Similarity check.
• Automated or manual marking of assignments.
• Inline commenting
• Dynamic grading schema.
• Reusable comments by question.

Limitations

• No similarity report.

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