e-assessment
Last updated on: 12/03/2010
What is e-assessment?
In our Regulatory principles for e-assessment document Ofqual defines e-assessment as:
The use of electronic systems for the development, operation and delivery of accredited qualification assessment or the collection of performance evidence, which contributes to the awarding of a unit or an accredited qualification.
To put it simply, e-assessments are tests or examinations developed by awarding organisations (AOs) which learners take onscreen or online using computer technology. As well as multiple choice examinations, learners can also create, maintain and manage e-portfolios online. These assessments are often also marked and awarded online by the AO.
Latest events
Ofqual hosted an e-assessment and disability event at Warwick University on 4 December 2009. Over 40 delegates from a range of organisations and disability groups made the journey to Coventry to discuss Ofqual's new duties under the Adult, Skills,Children and Learning (ASCL) Act and the impact of the forthcoming Equality Bill on Ofqual's regulation of the assessment system. Read a synopsis of the day.
Examples of e-assessment
e-assessment is used for some GCSE and A level units but it is more common for vocational qualifications. On-screen multiple choice questions are probably the most common and recognised forms of e-assessment. Some AOs have as many as 75 per cent of their qualifications assessed entirely on screen or online. AOs can also mark some scanned completed scripts on screen.
View e-assessment case studies on e-portfolios and e-testing for further information.
Ofqual's aims for e-assessment
Ofqual recognises that, as technology is increasingly being used for learning, it is important that a gap doesn’t develop between students' everyday life experiences and what happens in the exam room.
Ofqual encourages the development and operation of innovative e-assessment which does not compromise the qualification standard or the integrity, reliability or validity of the assessment. We aim to maintain and develop public confidence in e-assessment, identify risks in the use and development of e-assessment processes and ensure that the qualifications provide good value for money in a competitive environment.
efutures
Your comments invited on ‘new look’ efutures website.
efutures is a dedicated website on e-assessment, supported by Ofqual, CCEA, SQA and DCELLS, which includes an online toolkit for e-assessment practitioners. efutures has recently been restructured in terms of content and new functionality allowing user comments and questions online. Users are encouraged to participate in debates and dialogue on e-assessment in online communities of practice. efutures has a dedicated section for awarding organisations so they can enter their details and give a brief synopsis of their e-assessment activities.
efutures can now be found at www.e-assessment.org.uk. Please take some time to look at the new site, disseminate the link as appropriate, and we would encourage you to send us your comments online. Alternatively you can contact Fran Dowler directly.
On-screen or online assessments?
On-screen assessment is when learners answer questions on screen. These questions are usually stored on a CD-ROM item bank and are randomly generated as a learner answers the questions. Learners may receive their results immediately. Online assessments mean learners are connected to the internet in real time while doing their tests. Their answers will be sent directly to the AO and computerised systems may also mark and award the results.
How Ofqual regulates e-assessment
AOs must follow Ofqual's regulatory requirements for all their assessments. Ofqual's Regulatory principles for e-assessment document gives further advice to AOs on managing their e-assessment process.
Ofqual's regulations require AOs to ensure that all methods of e-assessment, including marking and awarding, are secure and fair, and produce reliable, consistent and valid results. There should be no difference in the standards of assessments whether they have been taken using a computer or traditional pen and paper.