Online assessment, adaptive feedback and the importance of visual learning for students. The advantages, with a few caveats, of using MapleTA

The paper highlights the importance and necessity of a versatile and reliable platform for online assessment in higher education. Recent technological developments allow instructors to go beyond standard multiple choice questions (MCQs). The paper considers, in particular, two important aspects: (i) embedding visual and interactive material in assignment questions that favours reasoning and learning and (ii) the importance of questions and feedback that can adapt to the particular performance of students. To reinforce the message, the paper shows how the latest release of the platform MapleTA could represent a powerful tool in the hands of educators in those fields where algebraic and diagrammatic analysis is essential to the learning process, such as mathematics, economics and business.