E-assessment guidelines for the VET sector

The use of e-assessment is increasing rapidly in the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia. Recent national benchmarking surveys, conducted by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), revealed that over 40 per cent of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and more than 60 per cent of teachers and trainers are using some form of e-assessment (Australian Flexible Learning Framework 2010). E-assessment is the use of information technology for any assessment-related activity. The most common form of e-assessment appears to be the online quiz (Callan and Clayton, 2010). However the consultations conducted during the development of these guidelines revealed that assessors are using a wide range of e-assessment strategies to collect evidence, provide feedback and record and report assessment outcomes. Both the Framework and the former National Quality Council have been keen to promote e-assessment and to ensure that e-assessment materials and practices are consistent with the principles of good assessment that are embedded in the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). To this end, the Council and the Framework commissioned the development of this set of guidelines. These are designed to: promote quality e-assessment materials and practices that are consistent with the (AQTF); ensure that e-assessment materials are readily accessible across the VET system; and encourage further innovation in the design and deployment of e-assessment materials and systems.

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