Paperless assessment via VLE: the pros and the cons

Whatley, J; Heinze, A

Abstract

The aim of this short paper is to share our experience of paperless assessment using the submission facility provided in the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
An important part of a tutor’s work is monitoring and assessing students’ work on modules of study, in order to measure progress and attainment. Assessment may be continuous throughout the module to help students progress by providing feedback on their learning, or it may be a
final summative examination to measure attainment at the end of the module.

Most modules make use of a combination of the two types of assessment. In the Research and Information Technology Skills (RITS) module in Salford Business School, we have endeavoured to use the Blackboard VLE to manage a
portfolio of continuous assessment exercises and a final summative examination. This Level 1 module comprises activities to develop Information Communication Technology (ICT) and research skills, and is an important foundation for new students, both to encourage good study habits and to
ensure that a minimum level of expertise in skills is achieved. Student numbers on this module were about 40 this year.

Citation

Whatley, J., & Heinze, A. (2006). Paperless assessment via VLE: the pros and the cons

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2006
• Deposit Date: Jan 16, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 16, 2009
• Journal: Innovative Learning in Action
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Pages: 19-20
• Publisher URL: http://www.edu.salford.ac.uk/docs/ilia_issue6.pdf
• Additional Information: Additional Information : ILIA is the University of Salford's in-house journal. ILIA issue 6: Innovative practice in assessment.