I use assessment as an integral part of the learning process. You cannot separate teaching, learning and assessment.
The impact on my professional practice has been enormous, it's almost turned it on its head.
I think I was one of the very earliest subscribers to the professional network. It gives me access to all kinds of resources and support and courses that help me to improve my own practice.
Item level data analysis has actually made a huge impact. Adding metadata to individual questions to allow you to create an assessment which is properly designed.
Being part of the global community helps to validate my own experience. You're inviting other people to comment and give the benefit of their experience and also, I hope at some point down the line, I'm helping somebody else.