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 Prepare now! Think about developing your e-assessment vision and strategy. Think about the resources and equipment you may need, how e-assessment will be provided and how it will be managed.
If your organisation isn't using e-assessment now, it soon will. You are likely to find that in the next couple of years one or more of the qualifications you use can only be achieved using e-assessment. So it is best to get started straight away. The key things you need to think about are:
 | Resource and equipment requirements | | Software and costs | | Managing e-assessment |
Resource and equipment requirements
If you are going to use e-tests with small groups of learners at a time a small network with a broadband connection is all that is needed. For remote use, most systems will allow you to use a laptop which will permit you to access a network.
Your centre will need appropriate software installed on its network, but this is minimal, and over the next few years many e-tests will become internet based and software will not be required. You can get advice on software requirements for e-testing from your awarding body.
You should have an 'assessment centre' - a suitable location equipped with PCs for taking tests. The PCs need not be expensive models; a good quality screen is the most important thing.
As e-assessment develops, other media may well be used - mobiles, PDAs, even game boxes - but for now networked PCs or laptops are the important items.
Software and costs
For e-testing the software will be provided by the awarding body and the cost will be within your normal fees.
For e-portfolios it is slightly more complicated. The learning organisation provides access to an e-portfolio management system, which it develops, purchases or subscribes to. Part of the decision-making required by the organisation is to decide what kind of system is needed. The system may have wider learning management or personal learning space uses.
If you are using an e-portfolio to capture NVQ evidence, learners, assessors and internal verifiers will need access to an internet-enabled PC, preferably connected to a broadband line.
E-portfolios for qualifications (NVQs etc.) will need to meet protocols supported by the awarding bodies.
Managing e-assessment
This is probably the most important bit, and why you are encouraged to develop an e-assessment vision and strategy. Using e-assessment will mean new approaches to teaching, learning, and to managing assessment.
Your organisation will need to manage assessment that is potentially available on demand 24-7. Learners will be able to complete units or qualifications at times suited to their learning style rather than following a timetable. Staff must manage assessment and technology; some training may be required.
The real benefits of e-assessment will be realised when learners are able to submit new forms of evidence for assessment towards their qualification. Technology will be used to carry out assessments in ways not possible on paper, blurring the divide between formative and summative assessment.
These developments will have a real impact on teaching and learning strategies, and on training programmes.
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