Following on from the new blogging unit, I have commissioned a writer to produce two additional National Units: Social Software (probably Intermediate 2) and Internet Safety (either Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2). The unit relating to social software is particularly interesting since this is a new and exciting field. We think that it will be the first national qualification in the world relating to this emerging area of activity.
The Sector Panel for Computing and Call Centres met today for the first time at Lauder College in Dunfermline. The Sector Panel’s remit is to support the Qualifications Manager (that’s me) and advise SQA about potential developments that we should consider. Members have been selected from colleges (such as Stow College and Cumbernauld College), industry (such as Microsoft and Oracle), training centres, and special interest groups (such as the Scottish Executive). Since this was the first meeting, most of the…
A small group of writers spent yesterday and today at the Stirling Highland Hotel writing assessment exemplars for the new suite of E-Qualifications awards. It was a very productive weekend with most of the work complete by the time the team went home on Sunday afternoon.
Today we held the Launch of the E-Qualifications suite of PDA awards in the Stirling Highland Hotel. The event went well with approximately 40 delegates in attendance. Joe Wilson introduced the awards and both John Gordon and Jim Everett who were part of the Qualification Design Team spoke about each of the 5 PDA awards listed below. Certificate in Online Learning Diploma in E-Learning: Production Diploma in E-Learning: Delivery Diploma in E-Assessment Advanced Diploma in E-Learning Graeme Clark also came…
London in the snowOriginally uploaded by bobbyelliott. London looked more like Moscow when I woke this morning. It was freezing. This photo was taken from my hotel room. The second day of the Conference included a keynote address from Mary Cook of QCA, speaking about Regulation & E-Assessment. Other speakers included Sarah Knight of JISC and Sue Walton of QCA who provided an update on the use of e-assessment within Key Stage 3 ICT.
Martin RipleyOriginally uploaded by bobbyelliott. The E-Assessment Conference was held in London today (and continues tomorrow). This is the third year of the event and the turn-out was much higher than previous years (more than 200 people compared to less than 100 two years ago). There were representatives from most UK awarding bodies as well as representatives from many colleges (including Glenrothes College in Scotland). The photo shows Martin Ripley of QCA giving the keynote speech. Martin outlined QCA’s ambition…
Glasgow Science CentreOriginally uploaded by bobbyelliott. The SVQ launch event was held at the Glasgow Science Centre today. Almost 100 people attended the events (one was held in the morning and one in the afternoon). Chris Morrow of E-Skills explained the differences between the new awards and the old, and emphasised the flexibility of the new qualifications. Dougie Somner of Scottish Enterprise expressed his support for this initiative. I described SQA’s support to SVQ centres and urged everyone to subscribe…
E-Qual team meetingOriginally uploaded by bobbyelliott. Some key members of the E-Qualifications development team met this afternoon to discuss the forthcoming launch event. The purpose of the meeting was to plan the event and agree who’s-doing-what. Pictured from left to right are: Caroline Douglas (Qualifications Officer), Tamsin Rae (Administrator), Jim Everett (Diploma in E-Learning: Delivery) and John Gordon (lead consultant).