Educational Technology Innovation and Impact/Virtual Learning Environments/Assessment Tools

Assessment Tools

The process of assessment in the context of learning can be defined as; An act of judgement of a person or situation or event leading to an evaluation or rating.

To assist in the process of assessment and to allow us to make better judgements, assessment tools have and continue to be developed and refined. Assessment can take many forms;

• Case studies • Direct Observation • Examination • Multi-choice Test • Performance Projects • Practical Projects • Problem Sheets • Simulations • Essays • Oral Questions • Portfolios • Presentations • Projects • Short Answer Questions

For the purpose of this entry we can focus on the assessment tools that are more readily available on-line.

Paperless Portfolio

The paperless electronic portfolio enables learners following an NVQ qualification to receive the NVQ standards that they are working towards on a CD along with any relevant policy and procedures. It gives the learner a resource to record all of their evidence of assessment. The evidence is digitally transposed into the portfolio and can include digital pictures and sound recording. The technology is able to authenticate the work to ensure that it is original and authentic. If this technology is used widely it will provide a quick and economically friendly system.

Multiple choice Tests

An advantage of on-line multiple choice tests is that they can be graded and marked in a fraction of the time taken using a descriptive answer questionnaire. The setting up of multiple choice tests take longer than descriptive tests but done properly the results compare favourably. The negative aspect is that a multiple choice test does allow an amount of guessing and can result in unexpected grades. An example of an on line test can be accessed below. Driving Theory Test [1]

Simulation

Computer Simulations can represent real or imaginary situations; they allow users to experience things that would be difficult or impossible to do normally. Simulation is particularly useful when carrying out a task would be too dangerous or expensive or when the desired result would take too long to produce. A good example of where simulation can be applied is in the area of design. Simulation allows the user to create and change designs as often as required yet allows the user to view an end product at little cost or effort compared to doing it for real. Garden design can be accomplished through simulation with good results click the link below to try it out.

Design a garden [2]

These are just a few examples of the Assessment Tools that are available to on-line users.