An automated assessment of a level 2 unit entitled 'Theories of welfare' was used for 20% of the unit's assessment. The institution was encouraging the use of Blackboard as a VLE. A set of 'gateway' multiple choice questions were offered and which had to be answered correctly to enter the next stage. Students had to attempt all five comprehension exercises on excerpts relating to each of the five theoretical topics. Although there were benefits to student learning in that the gateway questions developed foundation knowledge without penalising incorrect answers, the frustration encountered as technical problems occurred, together with the additional time needed meant that this form of assessment is no longer used.