The Digital Transformation of Assessment: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

In the education sector, the digitization of the learning process has been a topical issue for several decades. It includes various components of the learning process, including assessment, which is an integral part of the learning. Innovative educators have been using technology in assessment for several years, but since March 2020, all educators have been forced to use it. Some educators started using technology without sufficient skills and adequate training, so the forced transformation was not always successful. In most cases, educators learn by doing, as well as developing skills and finding the best technologies for assessment. The aim of this research is to identify opportunities and challenges in the application of technologies in assessment. To achieve this goal, the results of a survey of educators (n = 181) and interviews, both individual and group (26 respondents), were evaluated. The main results are related to the findings of new ideas in assessment, and an exploration of the possibility of providing more frequent and timely feedback. At the same time, there is the challenge of developing needed technological skills, as well as coping with an increase in the amount of work and time required to adequately prepare for the assignments. Having knowledge concerning digital assessment can complement an educator’s practice. It gives an insight into a wider study – the post-doctoral research project “Models of Assessment in the Digital Learning Environment (MADLE)”.