Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies MOOC’s Updates
Innovative assessment approach
Assessment is a critical component of the education system. She gives feedback to students and teachers, thus monitoring learning achievements. Recently, digital technologies have begun to be present in the assessment process, offering new and innovative ways to measure student learning and progress.
Photo reference: https://www.collegebasics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/How-technology-helps-overcome-the-challenges-of-fair-student-assessment.jpg
- Is there a need to transform assessment through technology?
Technology has the potential to transform educational systems, so we can use it in the field of assessment as well. We can use it to develop more effective, reliable and valid assessments that can help us better understand and support student learning. Technology-enhanced assessments offer several benefits, such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, and more accurate and timely feedback provided to both teachers and students, which can enable a more personalized learning experience.
- Technology and the use of technology to transform assessment and education?
Technology enables a more diverse range of assessment types, including formative assessment that involves gathering feedback on student learning to inform instruction, help teachers and students adjust learning strategies, and identify areas of strengths and weaknesses. Online platforms and tools allow teachers to quickly and easily collect and analyze student data, providing them with valuable insights into student progress and needs. Popular forms of formative assessment include in-class surveys and online quizzes that can be delivered through a learning management system (LMS) or online quiz platform. Teachers can create quizzes that test student knowledge and provide instant feedback, allowing them to adjust instruction based on results and provide personalized support to individual students.
- Types of technology assisted assessments
The various technology-assisted assessments include online, computer-based, and mobile assessments . The choice of technology for the assessment will depend on the specific needs and context of the test taker and the institution. These technology types have unique features and functions and there are some key differences between them:
- Online assessments: delivered over the internet, they typically require the test taker to log on to a website or platform to access the assessment. Online assessments can be taken on any device with an internet connection, such as a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet.
- Computer-based assessments: delivered on a computer or laptop, but not requiring an internet connection, they are often installed on the test taker’s computer or provided on a secure testing center computer. Computer-based assessments may offer more advanced features, such as multimedia elements or adaptive testing.
- Mobile assessments: delivered on mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets,they are often used for formative assessments, quizzes, or surveys. Mobile assessments are convenient and can be taken on the go, but may have limitations in terms of screen size and functionality.
- Challenges in the use of digital technologies in assessment
Although the use of digital technologies in assessment offers a range of benefits over traditional paper-based assessment from increased convenience and accessibility to improved security and increased engagement – it is essential to note that digital technologies are not a replacement for conventional assessment methods.Digital technologies, such as online assessments, computer-based assessments, and mobile assessments, may have limitations in terms of security, accessibility, and reliability. For instance, internet connectivity issues or technical problems with hardware or software may negatively impact the assessment experience. Also, digital assessments may introduce new biases and fairness concerns that need to be addressed. For example, certain populations may be disadvantaged due to differences in technology access and/or familiarity with digital platforms.
Reference: https://mgiep.unesco.org/article/digital-technologies-for-assessments
This project idea on computer-mediated learning environments is highly relevant and aligns with current trends in education.