Online assessment is not always quick and easy

Date

2010

Authors

Smith, E.J.

Editors

Carter, C.
Kirsty, K.

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Conference paper

Citation

EE2010 Conference Proceedings: Inspiring the next generation of engineers, 2010 / Carter, C., Kirsty, K. (ed./s)

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Engineering Educaiton 2010 (EE2010) (6 Jul 2010 - 8 Jul 2010 : Birmingham, UK)

Abstract

The University of South Australia (UniSA) has successfully used online ePortfolios as an assessment tool in three of its common first year Engineering courses. Two of these courses include the first semester course Sustainable Engineering Practice and the second semester course Engineering Design and Innovation. Both courses are targeted at the development of professional practice skills such as communication and teamwork. In these courses ePortfolios are used to help students develop their reflective practice through reflection on learning and reflection/evaluation on individual contribution to group projects. To create the ePortfolios several online assessment methods have been trialed including wikis, blogs, and the ePortfolio program PebblePad. A survey of students computer literacy conducted in 2009 found that students are comfortable with working in this online environment; however their experience is very dependent on what tool is selected, how it is used, and the training provided. Students found the online tools a fresh alternative to traditional assessment methods, however many students were frustrated by the technology and would prefer to focus on learning the subject rather than learning new software. This paper will consider some strengths and weaknesses of the on-line pedagogy and explore why online assessment is not necessarily quick and easy for students or staff. © 2009 Smith E. J.

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Copyright 2009 Smith E. J.

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