1. E-learning and E-assessments
By Maurice Nkusi
Teaching and Learning Unit

2. Overview Current Learning Trends – Learning Methods
eAssessment to Foster Learning – Case of Large Classes
eLearning Implementation – Web Presence Strategy

3. Current Learning Trends
Enquiry-Based Learning
“The meaning of ‘knowing’ has shifted from being able to remember and repeat information to being able to find and use it.” 
(National Research Council, 2007)
As entry point, inquiry involves learners:
✦tackling real-world questions, issues and controversies 
✦developing questioning, research and communication skills 
✦solving problems or creating solutions
✦collaborating within and beyond the classroom 
✦developing deep understanding of content knowledge 
✦participating in the public creation and improvement of ideas and knowledge

4. Current Learning Trends cont.
Problem-Based Learning
PBL begins with the assumption that learning is an active, integrated, and constructive process influenced by social and contextual factors.
PBL is characterized by a student-centred approach, teachers as “facilitators rather than disseminators,” and open-ended problems (in PBL, these are called “ill-structured”) that “serve as the initial stimulus and framework for learning.
Group-work is also an essential aspect of PBL for several reasons:
Group-work helps develop learning communities in which students feel comfortable developing new ideas and raising questions about the material
Group-work enhances communication skills and students’ ability to manage group dynamics
groupwork is interesting and motivating for students because they become actively involved in the work and are held accountable for their actions by group members

5. Current Learning Trends cont.
Project-Based Learning
Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge. Essential Elements of PBL are:
Significant Content
21st century competencies
In-Depth Inquiry
Driving Question
Need to Know
Voice and Choice
Critique and Revision
Public Audience

6. Current Learning Trends cont.
Interdisciplinary-Based Learning
Interdisciplinary learning emphasizes connections between traditionally discrete disciplines such as maths, science, business, and language arts, rather than limiting learning to one content area at a time.
When teaching and learning are organized around themes, problems, or issues, students seek knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines to provide an expanded and more complex understanding of the topics they are studying. 

7. Current Learning Trends cont.
System Thinking-Based Learning
Systems thinking is particularly well-suited to teaching about the complex challenges that lie at the intersection of Earth systems and human interactions. For example, topics such as climate change, energy, business, health systems, population dynamics and resources use benefit from a systems-based approach.

8. eAssessment to Foster Learning
Different Assessment Tool
Formative Assessment (Assessment for Learning)
Summative Assessment (Assessment of Learning)
Diagnostic Assessment

9. eAssessment to Foster cont.
The eLearning system at NUST has a big spectrum of assessment tools that lecturers can utilise based on the need of the students and the actual context.

10. eAssessment to Foster cont.

11. Questions and Answers
END