Improving workplace-based assessment and feedback by an E-portfolio enhanced with learning analytics

van der Schaaf, M., Donkers, J., Slof, B., Moonen-van Loon, J., van Tartwijk, J., Driessen, E., Badii, A., Serban, O. and Ten Cate, O. (2017) Improving workplace-based assessment and feedback by an E-portfolio enhanced with learning analytics. Educational Technology Research and Development, 65 (2). pp. 359-380. ISSN 1556-6501 doi: 10.1007/s11423-016-9496-8

Abstract/Summary

Electronic portfolios (E-portfolios) are crucial means for workplace-based assessment and feedback. Although E-portfolios provide a useful approach to view each learner’s progress, so far options for personalized feedback and potential data about a learner’s performances at the workplace often remain unexploited. This paper advocates that E-portfolios enhanced with learning analytics, might increase the quality and efficiency of workplace-based feedback and assessment in professional education. Based on a 5-phased iterative design approach, an existing E-portfolio environment was enhanced with learning analytics in professional education. First, information about crucial professional activities for professional domains and suited assessment instruments were collected (phase 1). Thereafter probabilistic student models were defined (phase 2). Next, personalized feedback and visualization of the personal development over time were developed (phase 3). Then the prototype of the E-portfolio—including the student models and feedback and visualization modules—were implemented in professional training-programs (phase 4). Last, evaluation cycles took place and 121 students and 30 supervisors from five institutes for professional education evaluated the perceived usefulness of the design (phase 5). It was concluded that E-portfolios with learning analytics were perceived to assist the development of students’ professional competencies and that the design is only successful when developed and implemented through the eyes of the users. Feedback and assessment methods based upon learning analytics can stimulate learning at the workplace in the long run. Practical, technological and ethical challenges are discussed.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/69849
Identification Number/DOI	10.1007/s11423-016-9496-8
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Computer Science
Uncontrolled Keywords	Development Article, Workplace-based assessment, Electronic portfolios, Student models, Technology, Enhanced feedback, Learning analytics
Publisher	Springer
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