Steepness

The STEEPNESS project explores the quality of learning assessments in open and networked social structures.

Learning independently as part of a collective through activities that are more or less structured is often difficult to assess in terms of institutional quality policies. It involves, for example, learning through the use and production of open educational resources (OER), through activities conducted at third-party locations (libraries, fab labs, living labs and repair cafés) or through community participation (associations, bourgeoisies, etc.).

However, in the context of lifelong learning (LLL) and flexible career paths, it is important to support these forms of learning and recognise them through micro-credentials. This approach is becoming increasingly common in Swiss institutions. Therefore, it is now a priority to be able to rely on assessment criteria capable of objectively assessing the development of knowledge and skills in terms of complex thought, deep learning, and hard and soft skills. The literature has indeed shown that real-world activities carried out in an environmental context help to develop this kind of learning. Assessment criteria aligned with quality policies that incorporate both the use of AI and ethical and sustainable practices are still to be explored.

Through a speculative and critical approach, and by bringing together experts and stakeholders, the project’s mission is to begin to meet this need. It is aimed primarily at teachers and techno-pedagogical advisers, as well as learners and governance stakeholders.

This project complements the initiative (Re)imagining online assessments and is developed as part of the PgB Open Education & Digital Competencies programme. UniDistance Suisse is a member of the Swiss Digital Skills Academy consortium and works specifically with the HEP Vaud teacher training college on the STEEPNESS project. If you are affected by this issue, please register to take part in the seminar on 16 and 17 June 2025!