Designing Exciting Assignments: Experiences on the use of video-based assessments in higher education by Deen Najubudeen Programme Manager / Lecturer Higher Education Strode College, Somerset (in partnership with Plymouth University)

Backdrop to the project Wanted a change from the traditional assessment methods such as essays and reports Modern, accessible, video-based technology was identified as a possible alternative Pilot-testing started on the FdSc Managing in the Public Sector Services course in 2012-13 Module chosen was Level 5 Media & Public Awareness

What it involved Setting an assignment that required the submission of a ‘video-diary’ based on the respective learning outcomes Groupwork (three or four members) 10-minute video clip Assessment Question Create a video diary in which you critically reflect on your understanding of the role played by the media in shaping your own and others’ opinions and outlooks

Students’ views Satisfaction surveys Face-to-face interviews 2012-13   2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16  Did you enjoy creating the ‘video diary’ as part of your assessment?  100% Yes 90% Yes Would you want a similar method of assessment for another module? 80%

Tutors’ standpoints A marked change on the students’ levels of enthusiasm Enabled students to acquire additional ICT skills Students were able to explore their creative side Tested students’ team-work and interaction skills This method could of assessment could reduce plagiarism Saves time on marking

Styles of ‘video diaries’ Re-enactment of a case with analysis Documentary Instructional video Newsflash Investigation-type Interview Mini-movie

Hardware / software needed Video Camera or a decent Smartphone Tripod Computer Microsoft Movie Maker for Windows iMovie for Mac

Screenshot of software

Video based assessments in a variety of contexts / subject areas Law Accounting Sports Business Health & Social Care Computing Criminology

Issues that could arise Conflicts during groupwork Managing scale of production Digital data corruption Non-compatible video formats _____________________________________ Grading individual work vs group work Sensitivity of content

Questions & Answers