The SIETTE Automatic Assessment Environment

Abstract

This article describes the evolution and current state of the domain-independent Siette assessment environment. Siette supports different assessment methods—including classical test theory, item response theory, and computer adaptive testing—and integrates them with multidimensional student models used by intelligent educational systems. Teachers can use an authoring tool to create large item pools of different types of questions, including multiple choice, open answer, generative questions, and complex tasks. Siette can be used for formative and summative assessment and incorporates different learning elements, including scaffolding features, such as hints, feedback, and misconceptions. It includes numerous other features covering different educational needs and techniques, such as spaced repetition, collaborative testing, or pervasive learning. Siette is designed as a web-based assessment component that can be semantically integrated with intelligent systems or with large LMSs, such as Moodle. This article reviews the evolution of the Siette system, presents information on its use, and analyses this information from a broader and critical perspective on the use of intelligent systems in education.