Study into the formation of The e-Assessment Association

1. Study into the formation of The e-Assessment Association Synopsis of a report to Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) Report Authors: John Gordon, Colin Deal, Cliff Beevers, Jeff Ross E-Assessment Association Feedback

2. History • Came about from various informal conversations (2005 Conferences and web chat) • Initial impetus from small group • Funding from CCEA, QCA, SQA, and Broxbourne Solutions • Feasibility report with business plan, schedule (road map) and structures • Reporting Back and Recruitment E-Assessment Association Feedback

3. As a result of the study the following is recommended - I A body entitled the e-Assessment Association should be set up as soon as possible. Linkage to the Institute of Educational Assessors (IoEA) and the SQA Academy be established. The eAA be established as an independent entity with clear relationships to the IoEA and the SQA Academy. E-Assessment Association Feedback

4. As a result of the study the following is recommended – II Categories of membership kept simple Individual, Organisational, and Corporate Founding Members. Individual annual membership fee of around £50 Other various classes of membership be developed over time. Organisational members (both academic and non-academic) to pay an annual fee of around £2500 for small organisations, and £5000 for large organisations. Corporate Founding Members be sought to provide the initial funding for the eAA. It is the intention that these members pay a one-off contribution to the eAA of £10,000. They would be invited to nominate an individual to the founding members group of the eAA. E-Assessment Association Feedback

5. As a result of the study the following is recommended - III A three-pronged attack at marketing – one for ordinary members, and the other two at corporate sponsors split into large and small organisations.Marketing should initially target an open membership. E-Assessment Association Feedback

6. What do we mean and who do we mean A definition for e-Assessment is proposed as ‘the use of Information Technology and Information Communications Technology to measure skills, knowledge, understanding and aptitude’. This would include e-testing, e-marking and e-portfolio systems and facilities. The use of the expression Professional Body is meant in its broadest possible sense and should not exclude any particular framework or organisation for the Association. E-Assessment Association Feedback

7. Consultation Process A series of consultation exercises. Physical meetings e-Assessment Question 3rd March 2006 Challenging e-Assessment, Dunfermline. 10th March, 2006 Industry Structure Focus Group; London, April 2006. Assessment Tomorrow; Glasgow. May 4th 2006 These meetings attracted a total of over 200 people An online community was established at smartgroups of 70+ participants. A series of basic questions asked and view solicited E-Assessment Association Feedback

8. Eight basic questions • Is there a need for a professional body for e-Assessment? • How should the eAA relate to the IoEA? • How should the eAA Support Professionals? • What segments of the e-Assessment community should be supported? • Should the eAA recognise geographic boundaries?  • Should the Association award a badge of competence to its members?   • Should the Association determine the competence framework of the e-Assessment industry?   • How should the Association be funded? E-Assessment Association Feedback

9. Membership drawn from: • Individuals involved in the policy, management, planning, design, delivery, evaluation and use of e-Assessments, • Organisations involved in the supply of e-Assessment solutions and systems, and • Organisations concerned with the verification and evaluation of e-Assessment, including awarding bodies, and compliance agencies E-Assessment Association Feedback

10. Who Would be Members? • System design and development • Use in e-learning etc. • Writing content • Delivery • Policy and Planning • Management of systems • Responsible for Accessibility issues • Responsible for security and invigilation • Quality control and assurance • Marking and verification • Research • Analysis of Data. • Development of support material • And others E-Assessment Association Feedback

11. Vision of the Association • To be the industry body for e-Assessment professionals, • To establish the benchmarks, and professional standards for the e-Assessment profession, including individuals and organisations, • To provide a framework for the industry body for the e-Assessment Industry, • To promote the interests of the members and ensure the development of effective and fit for purpose e-Assessment technology and e-Assessment services, • To provide a framework for a broader association covering fields related to e-Assessment. E-Assessment Association Feedback

12. Objectives of the Association • A forum • To influence • A focus of expertise. • Practice and skills of members. • Continuing professional development • Professional standards • Improve the standing of e-Assessment professionals • To promote continuing development. • To educate learners and stakeholders. • Standards • Quality control and quality assurance • Risk and reward of systems and practices • Good practice and communities of practice. • To hold conferences, exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes and seminars either alone or with others. E-Assessment Association Feedback