Enhancing group assessment experiences with Cadmus

UNSW commences the next phase of its Cadmus initiative in June, with 25 course convenors and more than 4000 students participating in a large-scale group assessment trial.  

The trial aims to strengthen collaborative assessment design and improve the group assessment experience for both students and educators at UNSW. Cadmus is a collaborative learning and assessment platform designed to support group work and authentic assessment practices. 

Integrated directly with Moodle, Cadmus provides students with a dedicated online workspace to complete and collaborate on assessments. Teaching staff can create structured activities that guide students through the assessment process, including planning, drafting, collaboration, peer feedback and final submission. Students access Cadmus through their course Moodle site, where they can work together in real time, track contributions, receive prompts and guidance, and submit their work in one central location.  

Group assessment remains one of the most valuable yet challenging aspects of the student learning experience. Collaborative tasks help students develop essential employability skills such as teamwork, communication, project management and problem-solving. However, they can also present challenges for both students and educators, including uneven contribution across teams, limited visibility of individual participation, challenges managing collaboration, and the administrative burden associated with monitoring and supporting group work at scale. 

As part of a Test and Learn initiative, 23 courses across multiple faculties will begin implementing Cadmus in Terms 2 and 3. Insights gathered from participating convenors, students and support teams will help inform future opportunities for scaling and continuous improvement. 

To support successful adoption, training and onboarding activities are currently being delivered for both teaching staff and students. These sessions focus not only on platform functionality, but also on practical strategies for embedding Cadmus into existing assessment practices and preparing students to confidently engage in collaborative digital environments. 

Key benefits of Cadmus include: 

• improved transparency and visibility of student contribution within group assessments  

• enhanced student accountability and engagement during collaborative tasks  

• more streamlined management of group assessment workflows for teaching teams  

• opportunities for earlier intervention and support where students may be disengaging. 

For educators, Cadmus offers greater visibility of student engagement and contribution throughout the assessment lifecycle, helping teaching teams support students during the process rather than only assessing outcomes at submission. 

Importantly, the initiative is not simply about introducing a new technology platform. It represents a broader opportunity to explore how digital tools can support pedagogical design and strengthen the overall student experience. 

This work aligns with UNSW’s strategic focus on educational excellence and improving the student experience through innovation, connected communities and evidence-informed teaching practices. It reflects a shared commitment across UNSW to enhancing learning design and delivery. By exploring new approaches to collaborative assessment and investing in staff and student capability building, UNSW continues to strengthen its position as a leader in educational innovation and student-centred learning. 

Visit the Cadmus webpage to explore features, watch demonstrations and find answers to frequently asked questions.