The TOIA project has developed a sophisticated online assessment system which has fulfilled its aim of increasing the use of online assessment and the uptake of the IMS QTI specification across UK colleges and universities through an extensive dissemination programme.

One of the unforeseen consequences of TOIA has been the demand for a hosted assessment service. Initially it was thought that most institutions would wish to install the software locally but many appear to prefer to outsource their online assessment service. The pilot hosted service is currently used extensively by many institutions. This provides a possible source of income which would be built into a business plan enabling TOIA to become independent of JISC funding by the end of the 18 months extension.

The main aims of continuation funding are to:

1. Ensure that the hosted service is adequately maintained and developed - and to further increase its uptake.
2. Continue the dissemination programme for the TOIA system and thus increase the uptake of online assessment and awareness of the IMS QTI specification.
3. Work with Freedom 2 Learn Ltd to implement the QTI v2.0 specification in the product.
4. Develop a business plan which will ensure the sustainability of the service without further JISC funding at the end of the 18 month period.
   

The draft JISC detailed design is available from here. The final version is still work-in-progress.