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Press releases: Digital blueprint for delivery of e-assessment
Ken Boston, Chief Executive of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, today called for a 5-year strategic blueprint for the national delivery of electronic assessment.
Last updated: 20 Apr 2004
Speaking at an e-assessment conference at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Dr Boston said:
"On-screen assessment will shortly touch the life of every learner in this country. Advances in technology have given us the opportunity to access and record aspects of human achievement that have been difficult to capture in the past. There is a massive potential to increase participation, learning and performance, making this country more competitive on the world stage.
"The QCA will not be content with simply responding to developments in e-learning and e-assessment - if we do, we will be too late. We need to be on the front foot all the way, which is why I want National Curriculum tests to be available on-screen within 5 years to those schools that want to use them.
"Obviously, the maintenance of standards and the e-security of candidates' work remains absolutely crucial if the credibility of electronic learning and assessment is to be preserved. That is the role of the QCA as e-regulator.
"QCA sees itself as vigorously driving forward towards early achievement of this vision of electronic assessment. In doing so, we seek to prepare for the Secretary of State a comprehensive and deliverable proposal for implementation of e-assessment."
Martin Ripley, Head of Assessment Policy at QCA, commented:
"As e-learning and e-assessment become commonplace, we need to work harder to meet the needs and demands of the learner. In a rapidly developing and profitable international e-learning market, we have to ensure that only the very best quality electronic assessments and learning are formally recognised.
"We cannot achieve these goals on our own. In order to deliver the electronic future, we must work closely with our partners and stakeholders, drawing on their commitment and expertise."
Notes to Editors
- Ken Boston's speech can be found on the QCA website at www.qca.org.uk/qca_8568.aspx
- The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is committed to building a world-class education and training framework that meets the changing needs of individuals, business and society. We lead developments in curriculum, assessments, examinations and qualifications.
- For any further information please contact the QCA newsdesk on 020 7509 6789, or 07798 924 552 outside office hours.