Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the consensual assessment technique (CAT) to library, information, and learning spaces as an approach for assessing the creativity, innovativeness, and value of products. This paper proposes adaptation of the CAT to accommodate everyday, real-world activities integral to library and learning practices, research, and support for technology-rich learning environments. Based on case study research, an aware-enabled social radio tool in a postsecondary virtual distributed educational environment is used as an example to illustrate the application and potential of the technique. Contributing to the literature across multiple domains (e.g., assessment, creativity, information science, learning, and innovation), this paper has the potential to provoke new or revised approaches to assessment for practice and research. This paper also gives rise to new partnering and collaborative opportunities for libraries, learners, and educators in relation to data and learning analytics and other emerging digital learning issues. A conceptual framework for integration of the CAT into library and learning spaces is advanced. The proposed framework is expected to ignite interest in the CAT, opening the way for extension of the technique to 21st century technology-rich library and learning spaces with implications for practice, research, and methodology.

Keywords:

Assessment, consensual assessment technique, creativity, information science, innovation, learning, libraries, methodology, technology-rich environments, value.