Like many sectors, education has found itself undergoing digital transformation at pace during the global pandemic to continue providing effective learning and assessment for students. The higher education sector is now looking at flexing and adapting the delivery of content, as well as the engagement and management of students. With a learner-centric culture prevailing, and student retention remaining key across universities, we wanted to look at how exactly digital assessment is changing the learning journey of a university student.
New and emerging technologies have changed the face of many professions over the years. From the introduction of computers and calculators in the 20th century, to the developments we are seeing now such as AI, big data, cloud computing as well as mobile and social collaboration, professional working practices are continually being reshaped. As ‘digital by default’ becomes the norm in many sectors, professional associations are working to make sure their qualifications suitably prepare their students for the reality of the profession they will be entering.
The point of developing new products is to address problems that aren’t currently being solved. It focuses on what users need, so it’s good design practice to work with the users to figure that stuff out. This echoes what I talked about in a previous blog article: the importance of working with customers, not for them.
The pandemic has been a catalyst for change throughout the world. Within the education space, it has caused disruption to traditional methods and for many, encouraged a shift towards online learning and assessment for continuity of learning in such unprecedented times. Although there is progress towards digital technologies as organisations modernise and become more efficient; any further progress requires identifying key ‘wins’ for those considering transforming their assessment process.
As part of the global shift towards digital assessment, we are seeing an exponential increase in the number of awarding organisations who offer remote invigilation options to their candidates; this is changing the way assessment is viewed around the world. Out of necessity in 2020, technology companies grew their digital capabilities in the assessment space, exam boards scrambled to migrate assessments onto digital platforms and candidates got to grips with home cameras, headsets, new software and realised the benefits of having more than one screen!
Following more than two years of COVID-induced hiatus, and the rein of seven secretaries of state over the past six years, educators will be hoping for a more positive academic year this year. But there’s more that Britain’s education system can do to guarantee success beyond simply hoping for a steadier hand on the rudder.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on education systems across the globe. For some, the shift to digital assessment proved to be a leveller in putting all learners on equal footing. For others, it widened the divide between pupils' attainment, making it harder for some students to succeed. Earlier this year, we conducted a study that investigated the international digital assessment landscape, specifically looking at how attitudes towards the adoption of digital technologies has changed as we return to a post-pandemic world.
With the pandemic fast-tracking the digital transformation of assessment, awarding bodies are recognising that in some cases, paper-based exams are no longer fit for purpose in a digital age where candidates require on-demand assessments to be flexible and reflect the world they live and work in. Students need to be prepared for work environments that are becoming increasingly shaped by automation and artificial intelligence.
We’ve put together a glossary of terms that you will likely come across whether you’re just starting to get to grips with online assessment or you’ve already adopted digital assessment tools and are looking to stay abreast of industry trends. This list will be a live resource at your disposal, that we will update as and when new terms emerge.
Since the start of the pandemic, digital transformation has accelerated across each and every sector. Education hasn't been immune, especially when it comes to assessment. But the rate at which it's been embraced varies wildly - while some countries have already begun digital assessment pilots, others are still embracing a paper-based approach.
