Innovative e-assessment system improves the learning experience
Dated: 16/04/2010

Following a 2 year Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Northumbria University Centre for Design - the first of its kind in the world, Zodiac Training have launched a new virtual platform allowing learners to work with their Training Advisor and have their

This case study was produced by JISC RSC (Regional Support Centres) Northern on behalf of the Excellence Gateway.

Zodiac Training has introduced a new e-portfolio and e-assessment system which allows learners to study online. It enables them to upload course evidence, view their progress, contact their training advisor and much more. It gives learners the flexibility to work on their qualifications, whenever and wherever it suits them. The system also allows everyone to keep in touch with the development process ��' employers, managers, training advisors, and verifiers can quickly and easily see the progress their staff and learners are making. The new system has significantly reduced the average time it takes a learner to complete a training course.

About Zodiac Training

Zodiac Training Ltd was established in 1996 and is an award winning training organisation with offices throughout the north east of England. Zodiac is at the forefront of innovation and training technology and employs over 170 staff.

The challenge

Zodiac wanted to introduce an online NVQ system which would be user-friendly, increase learner benefits and improve efficiency.

The activity

Zodiac collaborated with Northumbria University on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. KTP is a part government-funded programme to encourage collaboration between businesses and universities. As part of the programme, online learning tools and assessment solutions were extensively researched and Zodiac's learner, trainer and employer needs were analysed. After identifying the most appropriate e-portfolio and e-assessment system, Zodiac introduced the new system in October 2009. Zodiac's field staff are also equipped with laptops with an internal SIM card to provide easy access to the system wherever they are.

The outcomes

The new e-portfolio and e-assessment system has enabled Zodiac to offer their learners a more tailored service:

* Learners can upload their evidence in any digital format, from Microsoft Word documents to video files, at any time.
* Trainers and assessors can review the submissions online and feedback can easily be recorded using the message centre option.
* The system contains an online forum which is a place for learners to communicate with each other, share issues or help each other. It encourages the exchange of best practice.
* The system shows the learner's outstanding items, giving the learner a quick overview if anything needs to be completed. Learners can also choose to be notified by email when something requires their attention.
* Access to parts of the e-portfolio can be given to the learner's employer and external verifiers.

The impact

This technology has made a significant impact on the company and its learners.

Learners

* It allows learners to work at the pace that suits them. Learners can upload their work at a time that is convenient for them and they don't have to wait until the next visit from their assessor. This has especially made a difference for learners who work in shifts or are continuously on the move.
* It has significantly increased the speed of the assessment process because assessors can assess coursework as it is completed, without the need to visit the learner's workplace.

Trainers and assessors

* Reduction in paperwork
* Improved efficiency ��' no need to make as many visits
* Increased productivity as they can take on more learners

Zodiac Training Ltd

* The new system has made it easier to track progress; it records all learners' progress and management reports on learner progression can be run per qualification, per employer and per assessor. Tracking of completion can also be used to trigger billing and funding.

* Zodiac has reduced its carbon footprint by using less paper and a decrease in the need to travel by field staff.

* Efficiency as a whole has improved because learners achieve results quicker and assessors can manage an increased caseload.

Zodiac's learners are keen to do their qualification online and actually request to change over to the new system.

Zodiac's Marketing Manager, Christopher Green said, "The extensive research we carried out before implementing our new online system has played a crucial part in its success. By listening to the exact needs of our learners and our delivery staff we have been able to introduce a system which is accessible to all, no matter what their ability."