E-learning and e-assessment – overview
The e-learning part of this theme is about how you can use information and communications technology (ICT) to 'get it right for the learner' in:
- delivering your subject matter
- making learning accessible outside your classroom
- actively engaging your learners; and
- supporting and enhancing their learning.
Used imaginatively, the technology can help you to:
- personalise the learning for individual learners
- increase the relevance of your teaching
- challenge learners to explore new areas of interest; and
- take into account equality and diversity issues.
What's more, it can:
- enable learners to develop new skills that are essential in present-day society; and
- fire learners' enthusiasm for working independently.
e-assessment is about using the technology to find out:
- where learners are starting from (initial assessment)
- what progress they are making during their course (formative assessment); and
- what they have achieved at the end (summative assessment).
Electronic technology is your friend and ally. It can help you to assess, measure progress and give feedback, as well as to establish whether learners have achieved their intended learning outcomes. This has to be worth exploring!
Links
The government wants everyone to become competent in using ICT. Check out the following sites for more details.
- For tutors, there are national standards for teaching and supporting
e-learning. Download these by visiting Lifelong Learning UK at
New browser window: www.lluk.org.uk,
and selecting 'Standards' from the menu. - For learners, there are also national standards for ICT Skills for
Life. Visit the website of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
at
New browser window: www.qca.org.uk.
If you are new to Skills for Life, a useful starting point is
New
browser window: www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus
Select 'Teaching and Learning' for an overview of the Skills for Life
agenda. If you are already involved in Skills for Life, you might like
to receive the regular updates from the site.'
For ideas and practical help on how to make the most of e-technology, click here: Further development