Interactive Computer Marked Assignments

One of the ways the Open University assesses students is through an iCMA, or "Interactive Computer Marked Assignment". As the name implies, these are marked by computer and tend to be straightforward with clear right and wrong answers.

iCMAs (no, I don't know why they're capitalised like that) can come in multiple forms across different modules and subjects. Not all modules have them though. When doing Level 2 all my modules had one iCMA, usually near the start of the course, which tested whether I had grasped the material in the course so far through a series of multiple choice questions. Each iCMA was effectively an open book, untimed exam testing understanding and comprehension. Other iCMAs may differ, perhaps setting the student a specific task or scenario and working around them. Some appear to have stricter time limits from when they can be opened to when they must be submitted. There are many different forms.

Therefore, it's not possible to give too much general advice around them. It's critical to read the instructions for each first before opening them to make sure if they can be completed in all the time before the deadline or if one has only a limited number of days after opening. They should be approached calmly and without stress. If there's plenty of time available then a good strategy is to go through the questions at least three times on three separate days, thinking carefully about each one to determine if the right answer has been selected.

It's also important to not neglect iCMAs, even if the deadline comes at a busy period. If one is taking more than one module at a time the deadlines can sometimes stack up. Looking at the study planners for the different years there are a number of module combinations that can result in the iCMA in one module having a deadline close to that for either another iCMA or a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) in a different module. As well as effecting full-time students taking multiple modules simultaneously this can also occur in the six weeks around February when the half-year modules overlap.

I am about to embark on the only iCMA I am aware of for any of my Level 3 modules. (Some of these posts are written in advance.) The previous iCMAs were good for keeping me on my toes. Now it's time to see how difficult this one is.