Technological Aids to the Efficient Assessment of Prior Learning

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, including 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.