Blackboard LearnAssessment and Feedback

Ulster E-Learning Conference20th January 2011

Alan Masson & Fiona McCloyAccess and Distributed Learning, University of Ulster

AimsIn this session we will preview the Blackboard Learn VLE and

let you explore the assessment and feedback (A&F) tools that are available to enhance teaching and learning practice.

Learning OutcomesBy the end of this session, participants will be aware of:

• The Blackboard Learn environment;• The A&F tools & technologies in the Blackboard Learn

environment and their potential application;• How the A&F tools can be applied to teaching practice,

underpinned by best practice.

Session Outline

• Identify your teaching priorities• Demo of Bb Learn A&F support area• Explore the Bb Learn A&F support area• Think about your A&F practice• Discuss the activities – in pairs and whole group• Questions & answers• Complete evaluation form

Importance of Assessment and Feedback

‘Assessment is a central feature of teaching and the curriculum. It powerfully frames how students learn and what students achieve. It is one of the most of significant influences on students’ experience of higher education and all that they gain from it. The reason for an explicit focus on improving assessment practice is the high impact it has on the quality of the learning.’

Professor David Boud & associates, 2010

The Student Perspective (NSS)

• -2% change compared to 2009 at Ulster• -5% difference from sector-wide results 2010

National Student Survey Results for Assessment and Feedback Comparison of % Agree for A&F questions with Sector Overall

Sector Overall 2009

Ulster2009

Sector Overall 2010

Ulster2010

A&F overall 64 63 66 61Prompt feedback 58 55 60 53Detailed comments about students work

63 56 64 56

Feedback to help students improve

57 55 59 55

Technology-enhanced A&F

‘It is the learners and teachers who ultimately determine the formative effects of engaging with technologies, but technologies can shape the potential for this to happen.’

Pachler et al (2009), Scoping a vision for formative assessment, project report for JISC

‘As technology continues to develop in all spheres of life, this not only increases potential use within the lecture room and beyond – but also our expectations that this will happen.’

National Student Forum Annual Report, 2009

‘I like seeing my feedback online as it keeps it private and allows me to store it for future use without worrying about losing it.’

Foundation degree student, Loughborough College

Thinking about your teaching…

Activity 1 – Reflect on your Priorities

Individually complete all Activity 1 questions on the front page of your worksheet. Tick the relevant boxes and add any additional priorities which aren’t listed.

Time available – 5 minutes.

Demo of Bb Learn A&F Support Area

Overview of the Blackboard Learn Test Environment.

Overview of the Blackboard Learn Assessment and Feedback support area. A&F best practice themes, e.g. Effective feedback

(importance and tools available) A&F related tools A&F resources

Activity 2 – Explore A&F Support Area

Log in to the Blackboard Learn Test Environment at http://bblearn.ulster.ac.uk and click on the A&F course support area.

Explore the assessment and feedback support area whilst thinking about how you could improve your assessment and feedback practice.

Time available – 10 minutes.

Activity 3 – Your Teaching

Individually complete all Activity 3 questions on the back page of your worksheet.

Time available – 10 minutes.

Activity 4 – Discuss in Pairs

Discuss your answers to Activity 3 in pairs.

Possible improvements? Benefits of improvement? Challenges of improvement? Actions that are required to make improvement?

Time available – 5 minutes.

Activity 5 – General Discussion

General discussion amongst all the group about your answers to Activity 3.

Possible improvements? Benefits of improvement? Challenges of improvement? Actions that are required to make improvement?

Time available – 10 minutes.

Any Questions...

Workshop Evaluation

Please complete the Workshop Evaluation Form.

Return your worksheet and evaluation form to the workshop facilitators.

The worksheet will be returned to you via internal post.

Time available – 5 minutes.

Many thanks you for your participation.

Further Information

Blackboard Learn Information Pointhttp://www.ulster.ac.uk/bbinfo

Blackboard Learn Test Environmenthttp://bblearn.ulster.ac.uk