REFLECTING ON THE CHALLENGES OF EMBRACING DIGITAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS IN HIGHER EDUCATION CONTEXTS
1 University of Aveiro, GOVCOPP-DEGEIT (PORTUGAL)
2 University of Aveiro, GOVCOPP-ESTGA (PORTUGAL)
About this paper:
Conference name: 16th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 1-3 July, 2024
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
In recent years, higher education has witnessed a significant transformation with the integration of digital technologies to transform teaching and learning experiences. One notable area where this transformation is substantial is in the implementation of new assessment methods resorting to digital tools. Digital assessment tools have emerged as valuable assets for educators, offering innovative ways to evaluate student learning outcomes. For students, they also offer benefits such as enhanced flexibility and faster feedback, that are believed to have positive impacts on engagement and learning performance. However, the adoption of digital technologies for formal and summative assessments is not free from challenges and resistance. This article explores the utilization of digital assessment tools in higher education, highlighting their benefits and challenges in implementation, building on insights collected from students and professors in Higher Education. The work builds on the research that has been developed under the scope of the European Project DigitalHeights, which has been offering a systematic analysis of different levels of experience and proficiency in digital technologies for assessment across different Higher Education contexts in Europe.
The integration of digital assessment tools in higher education holds immense potential to revolutionize the way educators evaluate student learning. By leveraging the benefits of flexibility, engagement, data-driven insights, and accessibility, these tools can enhance the overall learning experience for students. However, the successful implementation of digital assessment tools requires careful consideration of challenges such as technological infrastructure, pedagogical integration, academic integrity, and data security.Keywords:
Digital assessment, Higher Education, digital competencies.