The Emergence of Large-Scale Computer Assisted Summative Examination Facilities in Higher Education

A case study is presented of VU University Amsterdam where a dedicated large-scale CAA examination facility was established. In the facility, 385 students can take an exam concurrently. The case study describes the change factors and processes leading up to the decision by the institution to establish the facility, the start-up of the facility, the foreseen optimization of the use of the facility, threats to the sustainability of the facility and possible future developments. Comparisons are made with large-scale CAA practice at the University of Southampton in the UK. The conclusions are that some specific coincidental situations may be needed to support the decision by senior management to establish such a facility. Long-term sustainability of the dedicated facility is expected to be dependent on the payment structure, the scheduling possibilities and on the educational and assessment benefits that can be achieved. Hybrid models of dedicated facilities and regular computer rooms for CAA seem likely to be adopted, thus balancing cost and benefits. The case shows that sustained effort in building up expertise and momentum are needed to result in viable and sustainable CAA exam facilities. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.