Today, we are covered by technology especially in all aspects of education, thus it also plays an important role in a revolutionary way to support assessment by making both formative and summative assessments more engaging, effective and responsible.
Technology encourages timely feedback which enables teachers to switch between different teaching techniques based on students’ actual requirements. This responsiveness can be beneficial in learning and recognizing potential deficiency areas in comparison to normal tests. However, particularly the adaptive learning interventions may customise the assessment activities in a manner, which is preferred as well as understood by the learner.
Addressing Challenges and Concerns
Along with technology benefits there are some of the concerns too especially social and cultural considerations. The use of such formats of tests only serves to compound the social inequalities in education since the privation in this method is the internet and the technological literacy, which some learners can hardly get. This is a fair issue of concern in regards of the fairness of the assessment practices. Furthermore, the emphasis is placed on quantified results rather than discussions of learning with the emphasis on substantial ideas as it becomes the responsibility of the teachers that their students should consider assessments more than evaluations.
Best Practices for Implementation
In my view, educators who likes to use technology in assessment should use several forms of assessments rather than only testing. It may include engaging in subject related content learning activities such as projects, discussions, portfolios, simulations and peer assessments rather than having only exams. Stressing on the role of feedback is critical because technologies can enable quick feedback giving to specific instructional and learning activities. Furthermore, to support the students cantered learning, professional development to help educators use technology effectively in the assessment of students is important. Discussions about assessment helps students to appreciate and feel in charge of their experiences which mainly leads to relevant learning efforts throughout their studies.
For this blog post i have read these articles-
https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/impact-technology-assessment-evaluation-higher/51460
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2019.00116/full
Prabhdeep, I agree wholeheartedly with you that “educators who like to use technology in assessment should use several forms of assessments rather than only testing.” Online assessments often are multiple choice type questions. This doesn’t allow students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of a topic. Also, some students may excel with this type of assessment while others have trouble. Allowing for several different types of assessments will make it more likely for all learners to succeed.
Thanks for your feedback Stacey.
Hello Prabhdeep kaur,
I really enjoyed reading your blog. The unique point which resonates me was we should emphasis on the diverse assessment methods rather than the traditional exams which would results in more inclusive learning environment. Moreover, if teachers understand the importance of the use of technology more effectively then it would not only enhance the learning but also creates a student- centered and supportive learning environment.
Thanks for sharing your valuable thoughts.
Aatif
Thanks for your feedback Mohammad.
Hi Prabhdeep,
What an awesome chart you added to illustrate the difference between formative and summative assessment! I found it very clear and accurate. I personally prefer formative over summative assessment, but I have met educators with various opinions on that. It was nice reading your post! 🙂
Thanks for your feedback Kateryna.
Hi Prabhdeep, I agree when you mentioned that in all aspects of education nowadays, technology is a part of it. It is also correct when you said that social and cultural concerns must be taken into consideration. Not all cultures and societies would agree with digital assessment in their educational institutions — this should be addressed by education agencies of governments accordingly.
Thanks for your feedback Raul.
Hi Pabhdeep,
You have several valid points that are usually overlooked with regard to fairness and accessibility. However, as you rightfully mentioned, educators should use a variety of assessment strategies, which I might add also includes paper-based assessment for not only those who lack access, but also for those who are not so technologically inclined. I am also in full support of the notion for teachers to be trained to used these tools so the intended purpose can be effectively carried out. Good job Pabhdeep and looking forward to learning more from you.
Latoya
Thanks for your feedback Latoya.