Assessment in the 21st century

Assessment in the 21^st century can be simply seen as one that is simpler to apply within the correct setting and context. As explained in the video assessment in very important and it has three forms. Diagnostic assessment, formative assessment and summative assessment. Diagnostic assessment is what they teacher used to test student current knowledge of a subject prior to starting a course. This help the teacher to determine what level the students are at so as to plan effectively to meet their needs. It is also necessary as it relates to program design to meet the needs of students. Formative assessment is known as ongoing assessment. This occur doing a term of semester to determine the extent to which students are grasping the concepts currently being taught and finally summative assessment is when the teacher test students at the end of the term or semester to see if they have grasp the concepts of all that they have learnt doing the semester.

Evaluation and feedback on a student's progress are important both to the student and to the teacher. Feedback is also important in relation to motivation. Students need information on their overall progress to make long range plans. The teacher needs to make evaluations to advise students, to make support decisions, and to write recommendations to potential employers. Assessment can be used to encourage students' interest in and commitment to the study of a subject. It can be used to help students develop a self-critical approach to their work. It can also provide intellectual challenge and enhance independence and responsibility for learning. (Gonzalez and Bermjeo, 2010)

As the video stated, this is normally doing through traditional means, therefore, students would be in a classroom and they would be evaluated through pen and paper – written test. However as technology evolves, there are a plethora of tools that are designed to tap into most if not all the forms of assessment. This is solely digital based and as such, it is called digital assessment. But what is it really? Are there any advantages or disadvantages? To what extent would it be able to cater to the needs of the 21^st century learner? According to New Zealand Qualification Authority digital assessment is the use of technology for assessment purposes rather than the traditional pen and paper. Given the challenges with respect to the digital divide, it would difficult for teachers to fully make use of this within the Jamaican classroom. However, generally speaking, using such tools will have many advantages.

Advantages of digital assessment includes but not limited to lower-long term cost, instant feedback and enhanced question styles which incorporate interactivity and multimedia. Once an assessment system is established, then it would cost less because there would be little or no printing and copying of paper. As the video established, tools such as google docs allow teachers to give instant feedback on students’ current progress. It is also a collaborative tool wherein students can connect and share information, this will allow students to tap into an aspect of the new curriculum proposed by Prensky. By doing this students learn the value of team work using a user-friendly digital interface that they can easily manipulate. The video also proposed that the possibility of summative assessment is endless. These tools, can allow students’ interests to be captured and making assessment more engaging and exiting and at the same time, meaningful. Tapping into students’ interests is based on the fact that these tools allow for the use of interactivity and multimedia. It will allow students to feel more relaxed and comfortable when being assessed. The experience and flexibility on the part of the teacher, as well as and existing form of assessment is not possible using traditional forms of assessment.

With everything there are disadvantages. One disadvantage is that these systems are expensive to establish and not suitable for every type of assessment (such as extended response questions). In addition, there some areas that digital assessment cannot evaluate. In some practical aspect of subject such as labs and/or experiments, its best to see how well students conduct these independent of online platforms. In a subject such as physical education, it would not be ideal to use digital assessment to evaluate how well a student grasp the technique of running or passing a baton. In general one can argue that digital assessment would not work for all areas. Another disadvantage is that it can be strenuous and time consuming to use the tool to develop questions at certain depth for students. Also some aspect of learning will require written piece. For example areas such as mathematics topics such as calculus the signs used difficult to input so it’s best to use the traditional method.  

In conclusion, digital assessment has wonderful advantages and is very necessary to engage students in this digital changing world. However, it is not without its challenges. In the final analysis the advantages outweighs the disadvantages. As such, it would be ideal for all teachers to become familiar with these tools and utilize them as much as possible to maximize results.

References

Gonzales, M. (2010, July 7) Methods to assess students learning. Advantages and disadvantages.

Retrieved from http://library.iated.org/view/GONZALEZ2010MET

Rowlett, P. (2011, September 25) Advantages and Disadvantages of e-assessment. [Video file]

Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JAeJKW7Hdc