Adoption of web-based assessment in higher learning institutions (HLIs)

Abstract

Purpose

The increasing availability of the internet has facilitated the development of web-based tools for the assessment of students’ learning in higher learning institutions (HLIs). However, research reveals that the use of such tools is largely dependent on the attitudes of academic and non-academic staff. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate those attitudes from the standpoint of Eric Rogers’ (1983, 2003) theory of diffusion of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is study of the attitudes of higher education staff members towards web-based student assessment, using Eric Rogers’ theory of diffusion of innovation as a lens.

Findings

Promisingly, the survey of staff members in (HLIs) in Tanzania, a developing country, indicates moderately favourable attitudes towards adoption, diffusion and sustained use of web-based assessment of student learning.

Originality/value

This is a unique look at HLIs in Tanzania and how staff attitudes are leaning in favour of embracing online assessment technology.

Citation

Nangawe, A.G. (2015), "Adoption of web-based assessment in higher learning institutions (HLIs)", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 113-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-03-2014-0036