a. Simple three-stage project set-up routine so projects can up and running quickly
It is important that CASPAR is as quick and easy to use as possible. Tutors can setup projects in three simple stages that include forming students into groups and setting up assessment dates and criteria.
b. Decide how you want to organise students into groups - alphabetically, randomly or by manual selection
While setting up a project you can take control over how many groups you have, which can be formed from any number of courses added in combination. You can organise group membership randomly, or alphabetically, or manually.
c. Each groups shares an online journal that helps them communication and keep track of their project
CASPAR provides each group (and their tutor) with their own ‘online journal’, which is a good way to help them communicate with each other.
d. Tailored to the needs of the project - decide on the criteria, the deadline and the combination of grades and feedback
CASPAR has formative, written feedback at its heart, as we believe students learn from writing, and receiving feedback from each other. Students also provide percentage marks for themselves and their peers.
e. Encourages students to have ongoing, developing conversations about group work through the option of multiple formative assessment points
One of the strengths of CASPAR is that peer assessment can take place not just at the end of a project, but at numerous points throughout! Projects can be customised to provide as many assessment points as you want, with different criteria for each, and as many criteria for each, as you require. This means that students can see how they develop throughout a project, and have time to action and build on feedback received. |
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f. Easy for students to use so little training and support is required.
Very important this: CASPAR is easy to use from the student point of view so little training is required. You can give them the www login address, a few pointers, and away they go.
g. Moderation tools allow the tutor to easily identify potential marking discrepancies
CASPAR provides moderation tools to identify if students missed their deadlines, or were subject to ‘suspect’ marking by someone in their group. Information including potential marking discrepancies is displayed easily to staff through use of colour-coded icons and a graph that shows how students mark each other. Peer assessment grades can be easily moderated if you feel it is appropriate to do so.
h. A safe, private, secure way of managing your group projects online
CASPAR is hosted on our safe, fast, and reliable web server. All you need is a web browser (IE 6/7, Firefox, or Safari), Flash Player (free), an Apple Mac or PC, and an internet connection.
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