Using Numbas for final exams

Chris Graham

School of Mathematics, Statistics & Physics E-Learning Unit

Aim of this short video

Summarise activity using Numbas for exams, particularly since the onset of the Covid pandemic.

View these slides and find out more at tinyurl.com/TalksByChris

Numbas is a mathematical e-assessment tool developed by the E-Learning Unit in the School of Maths, Stats & Physics.

Offers instant feedback and randomisation: ideal for formative assessment.

Significant increase in higher stakes assessments.

Increased use of hybrid assessments.

Rapid growth of Numbas use in Engineering.

Pre-Covid: most assessments were low-stakes, with a small number of exams and class tests.

Used for maths and physics stage 1 in 2019/20.

Served an important purpose at the start of the pandemic.

Used for maths and physics stage 1 in 2020/21.

Students have a fixed time within a 24 hour window, with Numbas controlling the timer.

Emerging from 2021/22 exams and in widespread use in 2022/23.

Students upload work to some questions to Canvas for manual marking. Allows efficient, focussed marking

New features, developed in response to changing formats, including:

Several exams in 2021/22 will take place on campus and use Numbas via Inspira.

Numbas continues to be an option for invigilated exams.

You can e-mail the Numbas team at numbas@ncl.ac.uk