Aligning e-learning with assessment and learner support Janet Macdonald Open University in Scotland QAA Assessment Series, Edinburgh, April 2004

E-learning courses Many using online media to support new styles of course pedagogy, including: online discussion access to wider resources

E-learners need to develop Electronic information literacy Online collaborative learning A more self directed approach to study

Harnessing the formative power of assessment.. Checking knowledge & understanding of course content Building skills and confidence in e-learning Developing lifelong learners

Three studies of assessment of networked courses at OU 2 nd level undergrad Technology course + postgrad Educational Technology course: feedback from 800 students and 50 tutors over 3 years 2 nd level undergrad Education course: feedback from 200 students and 12 tutors Desk study of assessment design on 4 networked courses

Summarise an article on a course topic Post your summary to online conference Discuss the issues arising, in the conference Marks for: Summary of article Reflection on key points of online debate Two of your own messages, each supported by a peer’s message to illustrate your ability to interact and build on contributions. Aligning participation with course aims

Write an essay on a course issue, drawing on four articles from the electronic resources Compare the use of two different search methods used to collect material for your essay, and comment on their usefulness Describe three criteria which you used to decide on the relevance and applicability of your chosen articles. Assessing skills as well as course concepts

Open assessment criteria This assignment will be judged on the following criteria: 1.Understanding of key concepts x, y & z 2.Coherent explanation 3.Good presentation

Model answers Teacher: How would you answer this question? Student: Discussion, trial answers Here is my attempt at an answer

TUTOR: TUTOR: Every course has its own particular approach to writing. When planning your essay, remember […] I have put together a few examples from your scripts to illustrate this point. You can learn from each other! STUDENT 1: STUDENT 1: I am going to look at the situated view of learning as explained in the E211 course and give examples of personal experiences which show the connections between [...] STUDENT 2: STUDENT 2: What is a ‘learning situation’? Although in this analysis I use terms such as ‘my personal learning situation’ in order to situate my argument within the context of the course, the truth is [...] The E-scrapbook: student answers

Submit draft to conference Comment on drafts of two peers, highlighting: one aspect you liked one aspect you think could be improved Amend your own draft Marks for: submitting draft pages to conference giving constructive comments to two peers by agreed date reflection on use of peer feedback Participating in assessment

Assessing e-learning assessment can create e-learning opportunities at critical points assessment can combine e-learning development, with course content e-learners should participate in their assessment

General comments Cost effectiveness Developing capability for lifelong learning student learning reliability, costs