#275 Poster

Monday 16 April 15:00 - 17:15 Bar/Conservatory

Recognizing Achievements in Informal Open Learning

Philipp Schmidt, Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU), South Africa

Conference Theme: Innovation

Summary: New assessments are needed to recognize achievements in open education communities and realize the promise of open education.

Abstract: The Open Education movement has liberated large amounts of high-quality content and enabled the development of peer learning communities that make use of this content in various forms. in order to legitimize the achievements of learners in these informal peer learning environments the question of assessing their work has crucial importance. Only if we can make robust claims about accomplishments of peer learners, will open education realize its promise of increasing access to education opportunities and doing so in a more equitable way.
In this presentation I will discuss the work of a small team of assessment experts who have been collaborating with P2PU to develop a framework for assessing deeper learning or connected learning in open learning communities.
The framework suggests eight essential components. It begins by defining deeper learning and outlining a case for emphasizing formative performance-based assessments over summative assessment approaches. The skill of self- and peer-assessment, especially to guide further learning, is a key attribute of deeper learning as well as contributing to the adaptability and scalability of open learning environments. Open learning environment operate in new and unique ways that offer opportunities to support and validate deeper learning beyond what is possible in the face to face setting of a classroom. Finally the framework describes the importance of, and possible mechanisms for, evolution of the assessment by the learning community to ensure its continued relevance.