There is growing interest in the potential to extend the use of mobile technology in pre-service teacher education. Research indicates that replacing traditional and time-consuming methods of written assessment and provision of feedback can significantly enhance the assessment process (Barnett et al. 2002; Bennett 2002; Buzzetto-More and Alade 2006; Byers 2001; Vendlinski and Stevens 2002). Gallo et al. (2013) argue that teaching large numbers of students, time restrictions, complex assessment procedures and associated record-keeping are the main barriers for effective assessment in physical education. However, little research currently supports the use of digital technology to improve the time-consuming written process of assessing practical performance tasks of pre-service teachers particularly in physical education. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the potential of a mobile paperless assessment method using iPads and the effectiveness of online rubrics. Mobile devices such as iPads can be easily used in the assessment of physical education performance tasks that can link to the university Blackboard site where student grades are stored. The following questions framed the focus of the study:
Whether the use of iPads with a dictation function in combination with online rubrics would improve the time-consuming written process of assessing pre-service teachers undertaking physical performance tasks by tutors.
The relationship between the use of online rubrics and pre-service teacher’s perceptions about assessment requirements and expectations and methods of receiving feedback.
To provide a context for the study, the next section examines the literature relating to various aspects of assessment in pre-service teacher education, especially the use of mobile technology and rubrics. The studies mentioned in this review have relevance to the current study as they predominantly examine rubric-based assessment in practical performance tasks.