Designing Effective Assessments with

Mahara

Samantha Moss: Learning Technologist, Southampton Solent University@samwisefox , http://bit.ly/sam_moss (my Mahara Portfolio)

Context

• This slide has been added to give those who didn’t attend my Mahara UK 2013 session some context

• After years of trial and error, we have come up with a process to help support our staff and students with Mahara, putting the focus on the outcomes with regards to learning rather than the tools and system

• It is hoped all staff will acknowledge our process and understand why we have decided to work in this way

Solent’s Mahara History

• 2008 -2010: Research, testing & implementation

• 2012: Developed Mahara Mobile android app with Catalyst UK (speak to @solentroger for more details)

• Used for assessment purposes for over 20 courses*

• 600 students each year use it – varied backgrounds*

* That we know of…

Don’t let the technological tail wag the pedagogical dog…

Very important to remember – especially for

those of us who work in eLearning

The ‘Solent’ approach

1• Lecturer approaches Learning Technologies

2• Identify outcomes & decide on tools

3• Write assessment brief

4• Student support put in place

5• Student Submission

6• Lecturer gives feedback

What are the processes?

Reflection

Creation

Compilation

Evaluation

Promotion

Organisation

What do you want your students to do?

• Display research & findings• Create a personal development/career plan• Build a portfolio of self-made media• Produce a work experience diary• Compile an ‘about me’ website

• Combinations of the above?

Look to the tools…*

*Some are plugins

Look to the tools…*

*Some are plugins

Notes

File storage

Self analysis

Blog/journal

Plans/checklist

CPD/Log Book

Web Tools

CV Builder

Assessment brief

• Clear advice on what students have to do

• Checklist of content required

• Clear method of submission

• Does it fit with Solent Regulations?

Student support

• Devise a plan for support:

– 1 workshop (lecturers decide beginning, middle or end of unit)

– Drip-fed activities (weekly homework tasks supported by video)

– Comprehensive help site available to all

– Example portfolio(s)

…All accessed via their Moodle page

Student submission

1. Secret URL in description of 1st page

2. Export HTML > ‘just some of my pages/collections’

3. Upload zip file to Moodle assignment

4. Submit for marking

5. Leave live site ALONE!

Lecturer gives feedback

1. Hide assignment eye

2. Open & extract content from zip file

3. Mark content

4. Visit live site (does content match zip file?)

5. Give grades & feedback via Moodle

6. Second marker reviews work and gives feedback

7. Eye is ‘opened’

Example Assessments

Examples of assessment

HND Built Environment

Examples of assessment

HND Built Environment• 1st year Architectural Technology student (and self

proclaimed ‘ground pilot’)

• Portfolio of evidence to prepare for a career as an AT following the CIAT’s professional frameworkhttp://mahara.solent.ac.uk/view/view.php?t=LKZxqnwVB9M1PYzUiJeE

• 2nd year ‘I want one of those for myself…’http://bit.ly/mjmcgrane

Examples of assessment

Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching in HE• Associate Lecturer in Event Management and Music

Production

“I found it very useful and would definitely like to talk to you further about using it next year in my unit. The students usually hand their portfolios in via turnitin but this does look like a much better way of doing things especially as they can up-load video's, pics, links etc etc.”

• http://mahara.solent.ac.uk/view/view.php?t=P8K2Spr4ageXjncfqxVl

Examples of assessment

Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching in HE• This was a great opportunity to get our lecturers to experience mahara!

• Associate Lecturer in Event Management and Music Production

http://mahara.solent.ac.uk/view/view.php?t=P8K2Spr4ageXjncfqxVl

“I found it very useful and would definitely like to talk to you further about using it next year in my unit. The students usually hand their portfolios in via Turnitin but this does look like a much better way of doing things especially as they can up-load videos, pics, links etc etc.”

Thank you!

• Tweet me: @samwisefox

• Find me: http://about.me/samwise

• My Mahara: http://bit.ly/sam_moss

• Image references: http://pinterest.com/samwisefox/maharauk-2013/