Implement: Tips and Checklists

The technical / interface aspects of setting up e-assessments in college systems can be a bit tricky at first and often it is easy to forget how to do this if you only do it once or twice a year. A really useful thing to do is to keep a technical ‘logbook’ (a Word doc will do), where you record all the practical matters related to your e-assessments and ‘how to’ technical tasks and record any workarounds and problems you encounter. You can do this in a rough shorthand way of your own devising. As a starting point you might think about recording the steps involved in setting up an assessment using a particular tool in the following manner Name of Tool >Interface element and action >Interface element and action – repeated until you reach the conclusion of setting up and configuring the tool correctly. This can be very useful as some tools involve many steps and options when setting them up. Having a rough record like this where you record any odd quirks to watch out for or workarounds can be a lifesaver when you come to do this the next time.

If you can share the work with a colleague it will be easier and makes cover possible if one of you gets ill

The implement stage not only includes setting up the e-assessment correctly in the delivery platform you are using. If we refer back to the Jisc e-assessment lifecycle (see the ‘Getting Started’ section) we see that this stage also includes these elements of the lifecycle (highlighted below in bold with numbers from the lifecycle) – so check you have them covered.

Making sure the students are prepared for the e-assessment beforehand while the e-assessment lasts (Supporting - 3)

Making sure the students work in the assessment is submitted and recorded (Submitting - 4)

Marking and providing feedback to the students (Marking and Feedback – 5)

Managing the marks in the college systems (Recording Grades – 6)

Giving the marks and feedback to the students at the right time (Returning Marks and Feedback – 7)

Have you tested your e-assessments?

Are you students prepared?

Do you have a plan B in place and do you students and colleagues know what it is?

Have you informed central IT services? Essential for summative objective / MCQ style tests

If you are using invigilators are they briefed?

Do you have learning technology support?

Have you plans in place for students with special needs?

Do you have plans in place for re-assessments and remediation if needed?