What is TEA and why is it important to me?
TEA stands for Technology Enhanced Assessment, and it’s an essential part of modern learning.
In short, TEA is the blanket term for any type of technology that is used as part of the assessment process. As an NVQ Assessor, you will need to be familiar with TEA, as it may very well form a part of your assessment process.
Examples of TEA
You might struggle to think of some examples of TEA, but we promise you’ll have come across some before. And, if not, you’re definitely going to in the future.
There are three types of TEA that you’re most likely to encounter as an NVQ Assessor.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
A Learning Management System is a software or cloud-based application that connects students and their teachers. It’s a platform where teachers and assessors can deliver content, monitor progress and collect evidence. At the same time, students can submit completed work, take assessments, and manage their schedules. Of course, the exact features you’ll find in an LMS will vary, but you get the gist!
Some of the most popular LMS include:
When you qualify as an NVQ Assessor, there is every chance you’ll be expected to operate within an LMS platform as part of the assessment process.
Online Tests
Online tests are a really useful tool for distance learning. Students log into a platform and complete a test (usually under timed conditions) online. Tests are often multiple-choice, but any kind is possible. To prevent cheating, sometimes additional technology measures are put in place. Such as, screen mirroring, or an assessor monitoring the student via video conference while they’re taking the assessment.
If you’ve been in the job market recently, you might have been subjected to the dreaded psychometric test! Lots of potential employers now ask applicants to complete online Maths, English and personality tests before considering their CVs! Online tests are also becoming more and more essential to assessment in general.
Evidence Gathering
We use the term ‘evidence gathering’ loosely. We’re basically referring to any technology that is used to capture evidence of a student’s learning.
Examples include:
- Computerised simulations
- E-portfolios
- Forums and discussions
- Online self-assessment.
You’ll find these types of technologies are used heavily in modern assessment processes.
Why is TEA important?
For the student and the training provider, TEA is a blessing. It has allowed the development of distance learning so that nobody is excluded from learning on the basis of their schedule or location (and often distance learning is much cheaper!).
TEA also automates large parts of the assessment process. Students’ work can be centralised in one place so assessors can access evidence of their learning, award marks, and feed back to learners all in one place. It saves a lot of time and makes it easier to quickly interact with your learners.
Many learners find TEA more engaging. With the use of technologies, training providers can incorporate rich media such as simulations and games into the learning and assessment process.
Why is TEA important to me?
If you’re an NVQ Assessor (or planning to become one!), then you need to know about Technology Enhanced Assessment. There are very few institutions these days that don’t operate some form of LMS. And, if the institution offers any kind of distance learning, there is guaranteed to be some component of online assessment.
Basically, if you’re not on-board and up-to-date with TEA, you’re going to struggle to participate in the modern assessment process. And, if you are, you’re going to find your work much faster, more convenient, and you’ll take home much less paperwork!
At Brooks and Kirk, we’re experts in assessment training and qualification. If you’ve got any questions about training to become an NVQ Assessor, get in touch today. We’re always happy to help! Call us on 01205 805 155 or send an email to training@brooksandkirk.ac.uk.
Steve is a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
He provides Educational Consultancy to the 19+ sector as well as being an Assessor, IQA, EPA and Digital Marketing Professional. When not doing any of these he finds time, every now and then, to write blogs and articles.