How EdTech platforms are strengthening assessment process at schools

Student assessment plays a pivotal role in education. It serves as a crucial determinant of students' accomplishments and progress.

September 29, 2023 09:18 IST

Student assessment plays a pivotal role in education.

By Monica Malhotra Kandhari

In the contemporary landscape of education, the traditional race limited to acquiring knowledge has evolved into a journey of growth and life-long learning. Today, educational technology (EdTech) platforms are assuming an increasingly crucial role in redefining school assessment processes. These platforms facilitate personalised learning and offer actionable insights to groom students into future-ready citizens.

Student assessment plays a pivotal role in education. It serves as a crucial determinant of students’ accomplishments and progress. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) also places a strong emphasis on reshaping the assessment process to enhance the learning and growth of every student. Furthermore, it advocates for the implementation of regular, formative and competency-based assessments to keep pace with the changing times. Simultaneously, it emphasises the use of AI-based tools to track the progress of students to enable them to make the right career choices.

EdTech Platforms: A solution to the shortcomings of traditional assessment methods

Traditional assessment methods often fall short of addressing individual learning needs. These assessment methods involve pen-and-paper tests and assignments, which are time-consuming to administer and evaluate. These conventional methods also emphasise rote memorisation instead of critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.

In contrast, tech-driven learning management systems offer a wide array of digital tools and features that have transformed the conventional assessment systems. Online quizzes, interactive assignments, and virtual simulations are the latest trends that are redefining the assessment process. This shift is essential for preparing students for a future that demands critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, EdTech platforms have enabled schools to embrace activity-based evaluations, which are more effective than theory-based assessments.

Enabling personalised Learning through tech-enhanced sssessments

Modern educational technology is revolutionising the way students learn and teachers assess their progress. Tech-powered assessments offer several advantages that cater to diverse learning styles. For example:

Tech-based assessments focus on not just what students are learning, but also on how they are learning it. Game-based assessments motivate students by keeping them engaged while testing their knowledge.
Educators are adopting digital assessment tools such as quizzes, polls, and gamified exercises to encourage critical thinking skills in students.
For educators, EdTech platforms offer relief from the time-consuming task of manual grading. Automated grading systems not only save time but also reduce human error in assessment evaluation. Educators can then focus on analysing assessment data to adapt their teaching strategies based on student performance.
Furthermore, tech-driven assessments enable educators to gain deep insights into each student’s learning journey, besides enabling them to focus on individual needs and strengths. This shift has also resonated well with parents who appreciate the flexibility of self-paced learning, while teachers find it more feasible to provide personalised feedback.

Harnessing the power of data & analytics

One of the most remarkable features of EdTech platforms is the integration of analytics. It enables educators to leverage the power of deep analytics to gain insights into student performance and identify areas that require improvement and strengths that can be built upon.

Deep analytics empower teachers to offer actionable feedback based on concrete data points. Moreover, instant feedback helps students identify mistakes and rectify them promptly.
Administrators can make informed decisions about curriculum development and resource allocation based on deep analytics. It also enables educators to create customised tests and revision materials with just a few clicks. This level of personalisation was inconceivable in traditional offline modes of learning.
Digital assessments open up new opportunities for educators to understand student thought processes. Computers can record response times, click patterns, and engagement levels during assessments. This provides valuable insights into students’ analytical thinking and reasoning abilities. It also enables educators to gain insights into which topics students struggle with the most, allowing them to customise their instruction effectively.

Peer Group Benchmarking

Peer group benchmarking facilitated by EdTech platforms drives healthy competition and self-directed learning. Students can gauge their progress against their peers and adjust their goals in real time. Additionally, benchmarking against regional or national standards equips educators with a comprehensive understanding of students’ strengths and weaknesses, allowing for more targeted interventions.

The way forward

The future of tech-driven assessment looks bright as it integrates innovative technologies like AI, machine learning, and data analytics to provide personalised and efficient evaluation methods. This advancement can lead to more accurate, adaptable, and inclusive assessment processes, transforming the way of measuring and nurturing individual learning and skills.

In the coming years, technological advancements will enable educators to embrace more personalised learning paths based on individual assessment outcomes. Additionally, metacognitive skills will gain prominence, empowering students to take charge of their learning progress.Furthermore, the interdependence between teaching and assessment will grow, facilitating more personalised learning paths for maximising academic outcomes.