Computer assisted assessment of mathematics

Many widely used VLEs (Virtual Learning Environments) including Blackboard Vista Moodle and WebCT are limited as stand-alone applications in the extent to which they can assess mathematics. Typically questions are restricted to multiple choice or those accepting only numerical answers. Algebraic inputs can be tested only through text matching. This means that answers which are correct but expressed in a different form are marked incorrectly. Furthermore incorporating mathematical notation even in questions and worked solutions may be time-consuming. The feedback provided to students is often limited.