Individualised marks for group work: Embedding an ePortfolio criterion in a Criterion Referenced Assessment (CRA) rubric for group-work assessment

Technology Enhanced Learning and Teaching (TELT) is a ubiquitous feature of the learning and teaching landscape at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), supported and guided by a university-wide TELT action plan. This paper reports on the most recent stage of an ongoing investigation into the use of ePortfolio learning technology to improve students' learning experience, achieve intended learning outcomes and ensure transparent and fair allocation of grades to students.

The paper describes the design and delivery of assessment for an undergraduate unit in which an individual ePortfolio was submitted as a component of a group assessment task. Student feedback highlighted a problem of student perceptions of unreasonable learning load for the weighting of the task despite the benefit of individualised group mark. It outlines a proposed research project to investigate student perceptions of ePortfolio software that is embedded within UTAS's new LMS (remaining branded as "MyLO") to be implemented in 2012. Outcomes will be compared to students' perception of group assessment tasks incorporating the PebblePad ePortfolio software that is accessed outside MyLO.