Abstract:

This article analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of online formative assessment in Higher Education (HE), with a focus on educational managers and policymakers. Despite recognition of SWOT in education, a gap persists in its comprehensive analysis of online formative assessment in HE, especially from managers' and policymakers' perspectives. Using SWOT, the study offers a framework for strategic planning and assessment implementation, fostering an adaptable educational environment. The study employed an exploratory, qualitative methodology based on a Systematic Literature Review (following PRISMA protocols) and Bardin's Content Analysis to categorize and interpret data on online formative assessment in HE, and to identify SWOT elements for stakeholders. Internal strengths for managers include the ability to plan, structure, and implement formative assessment using technologies, develop strategies, offer feedback, and personalize learning. Crucial competencies also involve management, logistics, process evaluation, monitoring, internal communication, collaboration, and making adjustments to the teaching and assessment project. Internal weaknesses of managers include challenges in evaluating digital infrastructure and ensuring accessibility, usability, equity, and fairness in assessment. Adaptation to the virtual environment, insufficient knowledge and resources in Digital Information and Communication Technologies (DICT), assessment control, and adequate teacher support are also areas requiring attention. Regarding external factors, opportunities for managers include preparing infrastructure and technological support, developing innovative methodologies, personalizing teaching, engaging the academic community, and utilizing data for decision-making. The scalability of online formative assessment, alongside investment in continuous staff training, offers avenues for improving teaching and learning. Finally, external threats managers must consider to mitigate risks involve engaging stakeholders, insufficient infrastructure and financial resources (DICT investment), and challenges related to policies and security in the virtual environment. Issues like accessibility, usability, online interaction, assessment quality, resistance to change, inconsistent policy planning, and technological modernization can compromise successful implementation. In conclusion, the SWOT analysis is an essential tool for strengthening strategic vision in online formative assessment. It supports the development of a conceptual framework to guide managers and policymakers in strategic decision-making and actions, promoting an educational environment better adapted to digital demands and the world of work. This approach critically analyzes SWOT elements, their interrelationships, and priorities, providing insights to address weaknesses and threats, leverage opportunities, and capitalize on strengths. Such insights are crucial for improving education quality, adapting to digital transformations, and preparing students for the future, also highlighting the teacher's role.

Keywords:

Formative assessment, Higher education, Educational management, Public policies, SWOT analysis, Strategic planning.