EstimIt is a technology for grading individual student performance on e-learning activities. EstimIt works on a statistical model by providing a comparison with marks scored by a large number of other students over a statistically significant period of time. In this way a level or grade is generated for each student.
Research was conducted initially by Don Passey, University of Lancaster and subsequently by SAM Learning Ltd. in 2005, on large samples of students in England (at least 6,000 for English, mathematics and science) who did e-learning. Students were initially graded using EstimIt, and these estimates were compared with subsequent national GCSE exam results from Summer 2004. The EstimIt estimated grades were largely within one grade of the final GCSE result (where statistically significant numbers were involved in comparisons).
EstimIt technology can provide up to date grading via e-learning that students are doing anyway. Teachers don't need to set or mark specific assessment tasks for EstimIt to work.
By providing instant identification of areas of a student's weakness, on a topic basis, teachers have a more informed foundation from which to provide personalised learning for individual students.
To see a visual representation of how EstimIt works, take a look at our PowerPoint below.
