The delivery stage
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
||
Ensure learners are informed of criteria
The induction document clearly informs the learners of the assessment process and the criteria. This is sent to them prior to the commencement of the course. I was particularly concerned to make sure that they understood that the assessment process was entirely online.
Also I set up the WebCT platform so that the learners do not get access to the learning materials until they complete an online quiz which asks them to agree that they have read and understood the assessment requirements. This was quite easily set up in WebCT using the Selective Release function. At least I knew then that they had read the info I had provided them.
Conduct and manage the assessment process
I receive an email from the WebCT system every time a learner submits work to the assessment dropbox. This could happen at any time so it was sometimes a bit challenging to find the time to mark the assessment when you weren't expecting it.
In terms of managing the process I mark everything online. I set up a folder for the subject and individual folders for all the learners. I then download the assessment tasks from WebCT to my local folder and make comments on the work using the Insert Comment function in Word. Then I upload my corrected task to the WebCT system, which alerts the learner of their grade and provides them with my feedback. I do it this way because I want to keep all tasks and feedback from a particular learner in the one place for AQTF purposes.
Assessing the discussions is challenging, but basically I ask learners to submit (in a Word document) a few examples of their contributions to the discussion board which demonstrate the development of their learning and their engagement with the tasks and the collaborative learning environment. I usually use the WebCT search facility to compile all the postings from a particular learner so that I can see their entire list of contributions. I save this as a text file with their other work. |
 |
At the end of the semester I export the learner results from WebCT to an Excel file and save it with my other course files for AQTF purposes.
Ensure authenticity of submitted tasks
Generally this has not been an issue as I have framed my assessment tasks so that learners complete a work-based project. Each project is specific to their own teaching area and this means that they have to reflect on the content and apply it to their own situation. They also develop some online resources which are to be used by their students.
