- The document introduces the ALPS (A collaborative CETL involving 5 HEIs) project which uses mobile technologies to support learning and competency-based assessment for health and social care students. - ALPS has developed common competency maps, assessment tools, and mobile apps to support tripartite assessments involving students, clinical assessors, and university tutors. - Several universities have piloted the use of mobile devices like PDAs and smartphones to support formative assessment, competency recording, and reflection during practice placements. Challenges around usability and staff/student acceptance are also discussed.

1. Engaging with Mobile Technologies for learning and assessment Gareth Frith Dr Jill Taylor

7. ALPS IT Architecture University Digital Repository National Digital Repository Mobile Services Platform Assessment Generation University Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) “ Profession” e.g. NHS Digital Content University ALPS Skill and Competency Map

8. Mobile Services Personal Information Security Device Management Assessment Management & delivery Mobile Content E-mail Blogs Calendar Backup Encryption Backup Rendering VLE Access Forms Scripts Authentication Rendering SCORM IMS PDA Windows Mobile Smart Phone TV Game Console Wearable

11. PebblePad e-Portfolio

12. Audio Feedback Capturing audio feedback

13. Mobile Quizzes

15. Linking the ALPS VLE to the Leeds repository (Digitool) Single “sign-on” via Shibboleth Using Digital Objects to build assessments

17. Student Comments I preferred it ..I could adapt it, add to it, change things, and take it along ..it was just so much easier”   … useful for contacting visiting tutor at university whilst on placement  “ I like that it’s neat, that its not your normal scruffy hand writing,  … good for recording data and evaluating and reflecting upon clinical experiences … think the audio thing is really useful for recording reflections ..I think I should have used it more 

18. Staff Comments   … I can see with more time and commitment I would use this more in the future  … a big cultural change but very interesting and great potential to support students … Great way to access and support students directly when on placement

20. Student Comments ..a bit bulky to carry around whilst in uniform  ..it’s faffy writing with little pens..& the keyboard is so small .. you typed slowly ..sometimes when I was getting shown something on a patient then that would have been useful but you can’t do it  .. explained it to my supervisor but other staff, were all looking at me as if to say “What’s she doing on her mobile phone?”  ..too much in an already hectic schedule   I’m on delivery suite……I should be doing my placement and I’m sat here for half an hour trying to blue tooth” 