Technological Aids to the Efficient Assessment of Prior Learning - E-Infrastructures and Technologies for Lifelong Learning - page 318

Chapter 13

Technological Aids to
the Efficient Assessment
of Prior Learning

Desirée Joosten-ten Brinke
Open University of the Netherlands, The Netherlands

Marcel Van der Klink
Open University of the Netherlands, The Netherlands

Wendy Kicken
Open University of the Netherlands, The Netherlands

Peter B. Sloep
Open University of the Netherlands, The Netherlands

ABSTRACT

It is generally acknowledged that learning and education play a prominent part throughout employees'
careers across their entire lifespan. In the era of lifelong learning, Assessment of Prior Learning (APL)
is a powerful means for enhancing employees' further professional development and learning, formally
and informally. Though there is a growing attention for APL, the procedures, design, development and
maintenance of APL remain a quite costly and time-consuming experience. After a description of the
background and features of APL, this chapter examines the possibilities for re-using and interoperability
by means of e-technologies. The chapter discusses the major components of the APL procedure, includ-
ing the current possibilities for exchange and operability (e.g. specifications of QTI, IMS). The chapter
concludes with a description and validation of an educational model of assessment for APL.

INTRODUCTION and communication technologies intrude ever

deeper in our society to the point that they have
become inescapable (Sloep et al., in press). Ex-
amples abound, ranging from online banking and
shopping to the keeping of records of our medical
histories or mobile phoning behaviour. This digital

At present, we are witnessing what according to
some amounts to a digital revolution. Information