Week 10 - Assessment & Digital Technologies
What do you think is the biggest challenge for you when you are designing an assessment task that uses technology?
One of the most pressing challenges in designing assessment tasks with technology is ensuring that all students have equal access to the necessary tools. While technology can enhance engagement and provide innovative ways to evaluate understanding, it also introduces complexities regarding equity and inclusivity. Not all students have the same access to the required devices or reliable internet, leading to disparities in performance and engagement. This lack of access can hinder some students from fully participating, impacting their ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Additionally, aligning the technology used with the learning objectives presents another challenge. I must ensure that the chosen tools assess student understanding rather than their technological proficiency. This requires a careful balance between innovative assessment methods and the educational goals of the task (Wilson et al., 2016). For example, while interactive platforms can make assessments more engaging, they may inadvertently privilege tech-savvy students over others, creating an unintentional bias.
Moreover, accommodating diverse learning styles and abilities adds another layer of complexity. Designing assessments that effectively use technology while supporting all learners is essential. I strive to create tasks that allow students to showcase their understanding in various ways, ensuring inclusivity and fairness. Addressing these challenges is crucial for developing meaningful assessments that leverage technology to enhance learning rather than detract from it, ultimately fostering a more equitable educational environment.
References:
Timmis, S., Broadfoot, P., Sutherland, R., & Oldfield, A. (2016). Rethinking assessment in a digital age: Opportunities, challenges and risks. British Educational Research Journal, 42(3), 454–476.
Wilson, D., Alaniz, K., & Sikora, J. (2016). Digital media in today's classrooms: The potential for meaningful teaching, learning, and assessment. Rowman & Littlefield.