Chris Dann has 34 years' experience in all areas of education, moving into Initial Teacher Education in 2005. His Masters of Research into the internationalisation of teacher education was followed by a doctorate in the use of mobile technologies in the formative assessment of preservice teachers while on practicum. His experience across educational sectors and between the education industry and the technology industry give him a unique view of the forces behind commercial influences, institutional influences and school-based essentials. In his recognition of the application of technology to support educators' program enhancements at a time when student assessment processes are becoming key components for graduating preservice teachers, Chris' personal goal is to improve the feedback and feed forward process using technology for learners. Electronic assessment tools are pivotal in the future of educational excellence. Such tools require practical productive processes that need to be grounded in theory yet highly implementable for practitioners. Chris' recent book on the emerging research opportunities for preservice teachers' practicum demonstrates his particular interest in electronic assessment. All phases of assessment from pre-formative stages through to certification and summative judgements can now be enhanced by the evidence collection accessible through technologies. Teachers and leadership teams are being presented with new possibilities to enhance their programs of instruction. It is important that the student remains at the centre of all assessment processes. As we progress with the use of electronic assessment tools Chris considers it vitally important that the learner understands the outcomes of such processes and how they link with the qualitative assessment practices also in place.
