ESubmission Project
This page provides an overview of the eSubmission project carried out in the 2011/12 academic year.
In September 2011 the University introduced the process of submitting textual assignments electronically via Turnitin. The project aimed to seamlessly integrate our virtual learning environment, Blackboard with the eSubmission process. There was a phased implementation beginning with all level four modules in the first semester, followed by all other students over a two-year implementation period. This allowed a period of transition to electronic marking and feedback during the first year of operation, where you could choose to adopt a Print to Mark option for the first year only.
LEI, ITS and SSIS worked closely with academic colleagues to finalise user requirements, implement the technology and create a portfolio of staff development resources which could be accessed face to face, via webinars and self-help on-line resources. A dedicated project website was created at www.derby.ac.uk/esubmission, with regular project updates, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and staff development resources.
Why on-line submission?
This was a strategic decision by the Executive to improve the student experience by reducing turn-around times for marking and allowing the use of electronic feedback. It is hoped that it will also bring efficiencies to the process such as removing the need to queue to submit work and allow for richer methods of feedback to be used. It is envisaged that the project will help the University address and improve the assessment and feedback element of the Nation Student Survey.
Why start with Level 4 and not other levels?
We wanted to keep the impact to existing students as minimal as possible. It was therefore decided that a phased approach would allow time for staff and students to deal with the change involved. We also listened to staff within the user group to help us inform this decision.
Why Turnitin as the tool?
Turnitin is an internationally recognised assignment submission tool. After undertaking research into other University practices it was found that Turnitin was the submission tool of choice in the sector.
Turnitin also facilitates plagiarism checking and provides Grademark, an online drag and drop marking tool.
Before implementing the change we surveyed students about their thoughts on eSubmission. You can find the results of the survey at http://www.derby.ac.uk/files/students_esub_survey.pdf
The user group provided an invaluable source to the project. The user group members were:
- Claire Johnson - ITS (Project Manager)
- David Dean - ITS
- Matthew Leach - LEI
- Suzanne Wigley - SET
- Linda Birch - UDB
- Louise Buxton - UDB
- Jill Canning - SSIS
- Jo Drummond-Child - BCL
- Pete Radcliff - LEI
- Christopher Wilson - ADT
- Kevin Silber - LEI
- Yvonne Denby - EHS
- Simon Birkett - LEI (Chair)
- Ben Sams - LEI
- Sam O'Neill - LEI
- Beverley Matthews - SSIS
- Geoff Grenyer - ADT
- Clive Rosen - BCL
- Louise Schoeman-Jones - UDC
- Annie Flower - EHS
During the project and at the end of the first year staff comments and opinions were collected in order to overcome any problems or worries about this change. In response to this the project produced a series of 'You said it we did it' areas to show how the project responded to the information staff provided.
