The Covid-19 pandemic has expanded the role of technology within many sectors, including education. Digital Learning has grown leaps and bounds in the past year. Just like eLearning, online assessments should be a viable option for current times. The second wave has forced the administration to announce online assessments for various batches of students. Evaluation of student performance is a key aspect of any learning.
Considering the changing horizon, authorities must evolve the metrics of traditional ‘assessment’ routines to accommodate for virtual invitation. In fact, most private universities have already begun collaboration with assessment companies within the edTech field.
Let us map some key advantages associated with online assessments:
Being asset-light, online assessments like eLearning are easy to manage and control from a secured centralized server. Compare this with the offline testing medium wherein one needs to invest heavily to set up one physical test center in as many locations of testing.
Just like eLearning, online assessments require a computer/laptop with a working camera and a steady internet connection. Furthermore, Online Assessments provide real-time student status, personalized insights, and immediate results.
They cut out wastage in the form of loss of answer sheets or accidental overlooking of an evaluation. Thus, limiting cost wastage and achieving significant savings in terms of time for every stakeholder. With the evolution of technology, online assessments will definitely make evaluations more efficient and personalized.
Ease of invigilation:
The technology-enabled remote proctor invention has impressed many skeptics. Invigilators from across the country can monitor the activities of test-takers through audio, video, and detailed screen activities. Maintaining academic integrity is of the utmost importance to preserve the sanctity of any learning.
Flexibility in designing dynamic exam patterns using question banks has played a greater role in eradicating the chances of a paper leak. Many institutions are opting for an equal weightage for Online Testing and Continuous Assessments. Thus, students will gain a fair chance at proving their credentials rather than being at the mercy of a lop-sided exam-oriented assessment pattern.
As part of efficient learning, one can engage your pupils through a variety of continuous assessment techniques. These techniques not only help deliver a better quality of education but also motivate learners to go that extra mile. MCQs are a great judge of one’s knowledge, while the ‘long answer’ questions can help present the depth of one’s subject-matter intellect.
Varying the formats of assessments keeps students on their toes and helps assessors gain a critical understanding of their learning style as well as the higher-order thinking. Assessments in the form of quizzes can be a great way to increase audience participation. Studies have shown that quizzes help stretch one’s interest in a particular subject, assist in retaining information and enhance the attention-power of pupils.
Moreover, quizzes often help students master the basics well and thus prepare them for advanced stages of learning. The responses of students assist authorities in gaining critical insights about learning gaps within students. These shortcomings, in turn, can help teachers improve their subjects better.
Designing a comprehensive feedback mechanism is most important while trying out online assessments. Although face-to-face interactions help teachers observe their pupils and recalibrate their approach, eLearning makes it difficult to judge the mood of the class.
AI-based tools that develop patterns to judge interest levels within students will be of great help in the coming years. Schools can uphold the academic integrity of an assessment by applying tools like similarity checks, browser blocking, etc. As eLearning remains a relatively new medium, schools must be a step ahead in understanding forms of misconduct, be it a simple ‘copy-paste’ or plagiarism using online-content websites or impersonation.
Schools must communicate with students frequently in order to bring clarity of thought and build trust. With remote assessments, authorities will do well to enforce increased direct communication between teachers and students to gain more insights. Flexibility and agility remain the key to providing a wholesome learning experience.
Article by Nilesh Gaikwad, Country Manager, EDHEC Business School.