1. INNOVATION IN THE ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING
Investigating the Use of Eye-Tracking Technology for Assessment: A case study of research and innovation at a Special School
Dr Sarah Younie and Rajvir Cheema

2. Project aims and summary
Investigation into the use of eye-tracking technology to aid assessment of pupils with PMLD and SLD
participatory action research approach
To research whether using eye gaze will support the school in carrying out accurate assessments
confirm whether judgements and observations being made previously were an accurate assessment of the pupil’s abilities
Why?- inform and guide the school, families and other professionals practice.
Improve understanding between staff and pupils to identify the interests of pupils with complex learning needs.

3. The technology used… By Smartbox assistive technology
Purpose- allowed the recording of pupil's eye movements to produce heat maps and gaze plotting that showed precisely where the pupils had been looking
The software is called 'Gaze Viewer'
camera (hardware) is called 'TobiiPCEye Go'

4. KEY FINDINGS – FOR STAFF
provided an independent data source on the pupils cognitive abilities
enabling teachers to be able to provide different styles of visual images
enhanced teachers confidence in their assessment
another tool to make informed judgments

5. KEY FINDINGS – FOR PUPILS
providing more information on individual learner's interests, likes, dislikes and engagement increased teachers trust in their judgements
teachers to be able to provide different styles of visual images, such as photos or cartoons, to aid pupil's learning
heat maps provided data that demonstrated the abilities of pupils not observed before

6. The technology – is it effective?
assessment tool to assess the understanding of pupils working at low P levels who have profound and multiple learning difficulties
better to use uncluttered background images that avoid confusion and distraction
Confirmed teacher judgements

7. Recommendations – from research findings
Teachers receive training before the use of eye-tracking technology
A designated staff member is given responsibility –
to oversee the whole process and they ensure that appropriate materials are created for pupils
If other schools wish to use eye-tracking technology – recommend create own materials
- as the generic learning activities / pictures that came with the software need to be adapted for pupils with complex needs