Lessons in the Development and Deployment of Automated IT Skills Accreditation

S. Long

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

Assessment software is currently being deployed by a UK Examination Board to largely replace human assessment for the accreditation of word processing skills for one of its most popular awards. This paper is intended to outline some of the key lessons learned concerning assessment software development and deployment which have been instrumental in the project’s success. While commercially produced software tends to employ technology driven solutions which compromise educational quality for development speed, academic research is often theory driven, resulting in incomplete, specialised and unprofessional systems. The CAA system described herein has had to preserve all aspects of assessment quality. This has been achieved through long-term and close collaboration with the Examination Board, and the development of rigorous and innovative solutions. This has included extensive evaluation designed, not only to inform development, but also to build client confidence. In addition organisational, logistical and culture change issues had to be addressed for CAA to be successfully deployed. This required a delicate balance between integration and innovation. In conclusion it is argued that technologically attractive methods do not necessarily provide appropriate solutions. These are only achieved for authentic assessment scenarios through long-term and close collaboration with educators.
Original languageEnglish
Pages183-193
Number of pages11
Publication statusPublished - 2000
Event4th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference - Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
Duration: 21 Jun 200022 Jun 2000

Conference

Conference4th International Computer Assisted Assessment Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLoughborough
Period21/06/0022/06/00

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