QR code programming tasks with automated assessment
Lasse Hakulinen, Lauri Malmi · 2014
In this paper, we present a novel method to support automated formative assessment of programming tasks. Whereas traditional automated assessment tools mainly apply textual comparison of test program output vs. model output, we present a method that applies graphical output in terms of QR (Quick Response) codes. In our approach, programming tasks are formulated in such a way that the correct output of the task is a QR code. The correctness of the solution can therefore be tested by scanning the QR code. Despite the simple form of the tasks, they can support automated assessment with instant feedback, multiple programming languages, and simple statistics of students' performance. In some cases, feedback about misconceptions can also be given automatically. Moreover, they fit well to game-like learning environments, because the output can be interpreted as an URL which can lead to new clues or puzzles in a game. This is very useful, for example, in alternate reality games.