NicolaCollins posted on August 31, 2011 14:00
VTCT has added a brand new element to its already impressive online resource systems. From September, VTCT Centres will have access to free e-portfolios for their learners, from a pre-defined list of our most popular qualifications. Learners will now be able to store a record of their work online instead of a hard copy.
The new e-portfolio, Linx2Record, will be an easier way of collecting evidence for an NVQ, which is often known as a Record of Assessment.
An e-portfolio works in a similar way to a paper-based portfolio, in that it collates all the work that the assessor and learner have done towards the qualification. However, with an e-portfolio the information is held electronically in a secure location, which is accessed by the learner, assessor, internal verifier and external verifier.
Recording evidence on a computer rather than paper ensures nothing is lost, it is all backed up, and assessors avoid duplicating tasks.
Learners have access to a secure logon where they will find their individual online Record of Assessment (e-portfolio). They will be able to fill in all the required fields and upload evidence in a range of formats, including videos and photos of treatments they have performed in a similar way they would upload personal photos to their facebook account.
Assessors will also be able to logon securely to mark the work providing instant feedback and advice.
Learners and assessors will be able to discuss work via email using messages created within the system, so all advice and feedback is recorded and can be referred back to at a later date or when the learner can make the updates.
It is thought the e-portfolio will reduce the time assessors spend performing administrative tasks therefore reducing costs and resources when delivering qualifications.
On completion of their VTCT qualification, learners will be able to export their e-portfolio and keep it on a memory stick or CD ROM to take to interviews.
In delivering Linx2Record, VTCT is working in conjunction with XOR, the supplier of our online testing platform, Linx2Achieve, and DDL ltd – creators of “e-qual”, which won the e-portfolio category in The 2010 Scottish e-Assessment Awards. We are working with an e-portfolio with a proven track record to provide a secure system that best suits VTCT learners and Centres. The e-portfolio has been tailored for QCF vocational qualifications to meet OFQUAL recommendations but most importantly to be user friendly for learners and assessors. We believe our e-portfolio is unique in that the current Record of Assessment is integrated into it and it also contains a ROC (Rules of combination) calculator so both Learner and assessor will know a valid programme of study is being followed and progression through the qualification is easily tracked.
From September 2011, 18 VTCT qualifications will be live in Linx2Record, including Level 1 and 2 NVQs (QCF) in Hairdressing and Barbering, Beauty Therapy and Sports and Active leisure. We will be adding other VTCT qualifications including our VRQs over the next 6 months.
Linx2Record is linked to our Linx2online Registration system. When centres register their learners via Linx2Online, their details are currently automatically mapped across to Linx2Achieve, our e-testing platform, for those Centres adopting Linx2Record, will automatically create an e-portfolio for each applicable learner - saving time and administration tasks for centre staff.
The e-portfolio has many automatic systems, for example it will notify every user when evidence has been updated or marked. Mandatory e-tests are automatically linked to relevant units when learners are registered online for a qualification. The results are then populated into the e-portfolio when the exam is taken.
VTCT’s ICT team has produced online instructional videos to help each user of the e-portfolio. VTCT staff are also heading out on the road to offer workshops for centres interested in offering the e-portfolio.
VTCT centres interested in offering their learners an easier way to record their work should contact customer service on 02380 684 500. For the list of the 18 applicable qualifications, please visit www.vtct.org.uk