The Technology Enhanced Assessment Method (TEAM) Project identified four key areas where technology can enhance the assessment of Science Laboratory Practicals: pre-practical videos and quizzes, electronic laboratory reports,... [ view full abstract ]
The Technology Enhanced Assessment Method (TEAM) Project identified four key areas where technology can enhance the assessment of Science Laboratory Practicals: pre-practical videos and quizzes, electronic laboratory reports, rubrics and electronic feedback. Blackboard (our VLE) was used as a single integrated platform to use technology in these four key areas, and to specifically to implement formative and summative assessment of laboratory practicals. The rationale for using Blackboard was that students were already familiar with its use and potentially a range of Blackboard features could be used in an integrated manner to meet the four key areas of the TEAM project.
A simple structure was created: a content area for Practicals was set up in each Blackboard course, containing an online manual and individual folders for each practical. Using a flipped learning approach, key pre-practical preparation was facilitated by a short screencast or video followed by a targeted Blackboard quiz. Formative assessment was provided via a mark and feedback for each question in the online quiz. For both the students and the lecturer, this identified areas that required additional explanation and discussion in the coming practical class.
Electronic practical reports, following a template and including photographs and student videos as appropriate, were submitted to Blackboard as an assignment by students by an agreed deadline. Rubrics were attached to each assignment and were made available in advance. Timely assessment and feedback of submitted practical reports was facilitated by the rubrics and also the ability to add comments to the text. Student progression was monitored in Blackboard Grade Centre. All feedback was available to students throughout the module and could be used to improve future practical reports.
Evaluation of the use of the various VLE features in this integrated manner by a practitioner and participating students is presented, with advantages and challenges discussed.
Acknowledgement: TEAM project supported by National Forum for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, T and L Enhancement Fund
Keywords : VLE; Technology Enhanced Assessment Methods; Science Practicals
Topics: Assessment and Feedback in a Digital Age , Topics: Digital Technologies in Disciplinary Contexts
