E-ATP 2023: Off to the ‘City of Music’ we go!

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We’re buzzing with excitement as we pack our bags and fine-tune our presentations for an upcoming conference that combines two of our greatest loves: cutting-edge education tech and the historic, culture-rich city of Vienna. We couldn’t be more thrilled to present our work on the global stage, nestled in a city that’s as famous for its contributions to music, art, and cuisine as it is for its intellectual heritage.

We’ll dive deep into some of the most pressing issues facing educational technology today. From showcasing how a German university is revolutionising online exams through advanced blueprint technology to unveiling the future of AI-automated essay marking, our presentations are packed with insights and solutions you won’t want to miss.

But the conference isn’t the only thing that’s got us excited. We’re also looking forward to experiencing Vienna in all its glory. This city, once home to artistic luminaries like Gustav Klimt and musical geniuses like Beethoven, has a vibrant cultural scene that perfectly blends the historic and the modern. And let’s not forget Vienna’s famous würstl stands and schnitzel! 

So, stay tuned for our updates from this incredible journey that promises a perfect blend of professional enrichment and cultural indulgence. We can’t wait to share our experiences, insights, and, of course, food reviews with all of you!

Until then, Auf Wiedersehen and happy reading!

Our presentations

We are proud to announce that we are presenting not just one – but TWO presentations at this year’s E-ATP Conference! While our presentations are already brimming with must-know insights, we’re dialling up the excitement with a dash of game-show flair! Attend our talks, ace our quizzes, and then head to Booth 12 to our booth to snag your prize. But wait, there’s more! Drop your card in our prize bowl to win an even bigger prize. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this “edutainment” extravaganza!

AKAD University’s Game-Changing Adoption of Cirrus Blueprint Technology – Vegard Sivertsen, Cirrus Assessment & Norman Grotzbach, AKAD University, Galileo Global Education | 20 Sept | 5:15 pm – 6:00 pm

Step into the future of higher education assessment with our riveting presentation that unveils how a groundbreaking German university leverages cutting-edge blueprint technology for exam creation. Not only will you delve into the mechanics of Linear On the Fly Testing, but you’ll also learn how this revolutionary approach allows for complete student flexibility, letting them take exams from anywhere around the globe.

Project Summary:
AKAD university has shifted the traditional education paradigm by offering over 90 online degree programs and a student-centric approach. We’ll walk you through their utilisation of advanced blueprint technology that automates the creation of balanced, legally defensible exams tailored to individual learning objectives and topics. Each test item is meticulously designed and valued, taking into account both the taxonomy level and the time required for a response.

Why you should attend:

  • Learn to implement flexibility: Discover the architecture behind the university’s flexible exam schedule, which is especially beneficial for diverse demographics, including working professionals and overseas residents.
  • Understand advanced exam creation: Gain a comprehensive understanding of utilising blueprint technology to develop balanced and legally defensible assessments.
  • Say goodbye to cheating: You’ll leave equipped with actionable insights into implementing linear-on-the-fly exams as a game-changing solution to safeguard exam content and ensure a cheat-proof environment for students.

Defeating the Marking Time Bandit: AI-Automated Essay Marking – Vegard Sivertsen, Cirrus Assessment & Sojin Lee, Blees AI | 21 Sept | 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm

Unearth the power of AI in transforming the laborious, often biased practice of essay marking in our enlightening presentation. Imagine slashing marking time and costs by up to 60% while ensuring fairness and eliminating human bias. We’ll guide you through a Eurostars-funded project that aims to integrate AI-driven essay marking technology into e-assessment platforms, drastically improving learner satisfaction and marking fairness.

Project Summary:
This revolutionary project delves into how AI can tackle the bottlenecks and biases associated with traditional essay marking. We’ll present our cutting-edge platform that streamlines the marking process, ensures fairness, and caters to the ethical dimensions of AI utilisation.

Why you should attend:

  • Uncover AI potential: Discover the technology behind AI-automated essay marking, its operational efficiency, and how it can transform the testing experience for both examiners and students.
  • Navigate ethical landscapes: Gain a deep understanding of the ethical considerations in AI-driven essay marking, ensuring the technology is used responsibly.
  • Look ahead: Receive insights into the future of AI in educational assessment and how it can revolutionise the fairness, efficiency, and speed of essay marking.

Other presentations we’re looking forward to

Blessing or Curse? The Impact of AI on Assessment, Certification, and Localization – Vikas Wadhwani, Meta | 20 Sept | 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm 

Dive deep into the world of large language models like ChatGPT in the credentialing industry with this unmissable session. Tackling everything from the pros and cons of AI-generated content to the nuances of bias and quality control, this presentation is a comprehensive guide to implementing AI responsibly in your processes.

Why we recommend it: This talk doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives into the nitty-gritty ethical and practical considerations we often overlook, making it essential for anyone pondering the intersection of AI and credentialing.

Barriers to Improving Apprenticeship Achievement Rates and the Value of Apprenticeships: From the Perspective of Candidates and Stakeholders – Patrick Craven City & Guilds Group | 21 Sept | 10:15 am – 11:30 am

Get to grips with the UK’s pressing skills shortage crisis and the pivotal role apprenticeships can play in this comprehensive session. Uncover startling facts about achievement rates, the 2017 reform’s impact, and delve into Kantar Public’s enlightening model on what influences apprentice dropouts.

Why we recommend it: This talk provides not just a diagnosis but also potential solutions to one of Britain’s most urgent economic challenges, making it a must-see for anyone invested in workforce development and education.

A Scoping Review of Candidates’ Reactions to Game-Related Assessments as Part of Hiring and Selection – Paula Lehane, Fainche Ailish McCormack, Eadaoin Slattery Dublin City University | 22 Sept | 9:45 am – 10:30 am

Rethink your recruitment strategy with this eye-opening session that explores the shift from traditional psychometric tests to game-related assessments in the hiring process. Dive into an evidence-based scoping review that examines candidates’ reactions to game-like assessments regarding satisfaction, perceived fairness, and organisational attractiveness.

Why we recommend it: If you’re looking to modernise your hiring process and improve candidate experience, this talk provides crucial insights into a novel yet increasingly popular method—making it indispensable for HR professionals and organisational psychologists alike.

Best Eats in Vienna

Besides innovations in testing, Vienna has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights! Here are our top tips:

Best schnitzel: Visiting Vienna and not indulging in schnitzel is almost considered a cultural crime, or so the locals insist. For an authentic, palate-pleasing experience that’s both rich in history and flavour, look no further than Figlmüller. Established in 1905 as a humble wine hall, it has evolved into Vienna’s best and most traditional place to eat schnitzel.

Best rooftop: Das LOFT offers not just food but also an experience. Situated in the Sofitel, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the city. The atmosphere is funky, modern, and luxurious, and the menu offers a variety of international dishes with a local twist!

Best würstl stand: For people wanting to watch their wallet and enjoy traditional Viennese street food, a trip to one of Vienna’s many würstelstands (sausage stands) is a must. Bitzinger is one of the most famous cult würstl stands and offers a variety of sausages, from classic Vienna sausages to spicier versions, usually served with mustard and a piece of bread or in a roll.

After filling up on apfelstrudel and schnitzel, we highly recommend that you stretch your legs and do a little digestive walk around the city…and what a city it is! While you stroll, check out the many cultural treasures in Vienna:

Best things to do in Vienna

Vienna is a cultural haven with an artistic and musical heritage that extends from the classical to the contemporary. Here are our recommendations:

Belvedere Museum

The Belvedere Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including the iconic “The Kiss.” Set within a beautiful Baroque palace with stunning gardens, it offers an incomparable setting for the artist’s ornate, sensual, Symbolist works.

Kunsthistorisches Museum 

A must-see for fans of European art. It houses the Venus of Willendorf, a fertility figurine estimated to have been made around 30,000 years ago. The museum also holds an impressive collection of works by painters like Titian, Velázquez and a painting by Rafael. As we are Dutch, the self-portrait of Rembrandt is of particular interest!

Musikverein

If it’s all the Classical greats you want, Musikverein should be on your to-do list! Often considered one of the world’s greatest concert halls, the Musikverein is the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Known for its incredible acoustics, the venue frequently features compositions by iconic composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn, who have strong historical connections to Vienna.

Take a stroll in one of Vienna’s many lush, green parks 

Such as Stadtpark Schönbrunn Palace Park or Belvedere Palace Garden with Botanical Gardens (after you visit the Belvedere Museum, of course). 

From Classical music giants to gorgeous architecture, Vienna offers something for everyone. And at this year’s E-ATP, there’s something for everyone in the education industry! Will we see you there?

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Cristina Gilbert
Cristina Gilbert
Copywriter and digital content enthusiast, Cristina is motivated by the fast-paced world of e-assessment and the opportunities online exams give students to thrive.
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