Project e-scape: A Web-based Approach to Design and Technology Learning and assessment

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Kimbell, Richard. 2007. Project e-scape: A Web-based Approach to Design and Technology Learning and assessment. In: B. Choksi and C. Natarajan, eds. epiSTEME-2 Proceedings. 2: Res India: MacMillan India Ltd, pp. 173-190. ISBN 97802306306 [Book Section]

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Abstract or Description

This chapter reports on research from the e-solutions for creative assessment in portfolio environments (e-scape) project (DfES funded). Based on hand-held digital tools in the design studio, the e-scape system enables learners to create web-based portfolios based on design tasks. The e-portfolios emerge dynamically - in real time - in a secure web-space, where Awarding Bodies (eg for GCSE) can assess the work remotely. The web-based nature of the portfolios enables a quite new assessment methodology that involves multiple judges comparing many portfolio pairings. Judgment-reliability is thereby dramatically improved. The research is providing a solution to current concerns around coursework assessment in schools. Whilst such assessment provides a unique process-rich learning environment, its use in high-stakes examinations is controversial because its outcomes are not sufficiently reliable. Project e-scape provides a digital solution to preserving the pedagogic power of coursework whilst delivering high reliability in assessment.

Item Type:

Book Section

Additional Information:

Kimbell was invited to launch the findings of the research project as the opening keynote presentation to an international audience of researchers in Maths, Science and Technology Education in Mumbai India. The full research paper has subsequently been published (selected proceedings) as the chapter cited here. Other chapters are from authors in New Zealand, India, Canada, USA, Israel, Greece, Australia, Netherlands and S Africa. The project has been reported in Ministers (2005 68p and 2007 100p) and been the focus of three TV programmes. Impact at the policy level is even greater, with further funding now secured to extend the work into assessing performance in other subject, and creating a scalable national model that can be adopted by Awarding Bodies.. e-scape is also being adopted as a pilot study by the Curriculum Council in Western Australia.

Keywords:

design; education; assessment

Departments, Centres and Research Units:

Design

Dates: