Multimodal e - Assessment Interfaces : An Empirical Investigation Dimitrios Rigas

Due to the availability of technology, there has been a shift from traditional assessment methods to e-assessment methods designed to support learning. With this development there is a need to address the suitability and effectiveness of the e-assessment interface. One development in the e-assessment interface has been the use of the multimodal metaphor. However, the associated effectiveness of multimodality in terms of usability and its suitability in achieving assessment aims has not been fully addressed. Thus, there is a need to determine the impact of multimodality on the effectiveness of e-assessment and to identify the benefits to the user. This paper investigates the role and effectiveness of multimodal metaphors in e-assessment by empirically evaluating the effect of multimodal metaphors in combination or on their own. Usability includes efficiency, effectiveness and user satisfaction. The empirical research described in this study consisted of two experiments with 30 users each to evaluate the effect of multimodality, avatars with whole body gestures, earcons and auditory icons. The experimentation also assessed the role that an avatar could play as a tutor in eassessment interfaces. The results demonstrated the effectiveness and applicability of metaphors to enhance e-assessment usability. This was achieved through a more effective interaction between the user and the assessment interface. Keywords—e-assessment, multimodality, avatars, earcons, auditory icons.