HEP Community Event- Online Assessment Tool Demo
Tomax Think Academy have recently launched some very interesting and powerful new code-based question types as part of their digital assessment platform, designed to reflect real-world programming practice and enhance academic integrity. The tools support students in editing, running, and testing code directly within the secure platform — with auto-grading and configurable integrity features built in. They’ve also released new IDE question types which may be of particular interest.
Here’s a summary of the new capabilities:
Professional IDE Support – Including Visual Studio & VS Code
Students can now complete assessments in the same industry-standard environments they’ll use in their careers:
- Visual Studio Code – A lightweight, powerful editor preferred by millions of developers
- Visual Studio – Microsoft’s full-featured IDE for professional software creation
Instructors can upload preconfigured starter code, which launches directly in the IDE when students begin their exams. This makes it possible to run assessments that closely mirror professional development workflows.
Enhanced Internal Coding Questions
For assessments run within the platform itself, new upgrades include:
- A streamlined "simple mode" interface for shorter or more structured tasks
- Automated grading and feedback, providing immediate and consistent feedback to students
- Integrity tools to support secure, independent work
- Time-saving evaluation tools to assist instructors in reviewing responses efficiently
These enhancements are part of a wider focus on authentic, flexible, and inclusive assessment, preparing students with the tools and workflows they’ll use in a digital workplace.
