E-assessment explained simply
Imagine a digital university classroom where exams and assessments take place online. Instead of sitting in an exam room, you simply log on to a university platform and complete your tests or assignments. It's like an exam 2.0 - didactic, flexible, efficient and modern, with your performance recorded and evaluated digitally.
What is an electronic assessment?
E-assessment, also known as online assessment, is a collective term for internet-based assessment and examination procedures. This method is increasingly being used in various areas, from studies to vocational training, and provides an overview of the learning process, particularly in the context of examinations. E-assessments make it possible to conduct examinations and assessments digitally and regardless of location. This offers many advantages in teaching & co. such as flexibility, time savings and the possibility of using innovative question types.
Areas of application of e-assessments
Electronic assessments can be used in various areas of an organization such as personnel selection, personnel marketing, personnel assessment and career guidance. They offer a systematic combination of different question formats and procedures for assessing professional aptitude, which is also important for student participants. In higher education, they are often used for interim examinations, final examinations and formative assessments.
E-assessment as part of e-learning, authoring tool and learning management system
E-assessment plays a central role in the modern e-learning environment. An authoring tool can be used to create SCORM-based e-assessments, which can then be used in the Learning Management System (LMS)A learning management system (LMS) is the digital infrastructure for modern learning, which makes learning... are made available or assigned in order to improve guidance. This approach makes it possible to provide personalized feedback and optionally suitable tips and recommendations for action for the learner or employee based on parameters stored in the SCORM file. The LMS itself only receives rudimentary data such as completion status, time, participants and duration, which means that confidentiality is maintained and these e-assessments are popular.
Advantages of integrating e-assessment into e-learning
- Personalized feedback: Through the use of SCORM files, detailed and personalized feedback can be provided to enhance the learner's progress and performance.
- Confidentiality: As the LMS only receives basic data, the confidentiality of individual performance is maintained, which is particularly important in training.
- Flexibility and accessibility: Participants can take the e-assessments at any time and from any location, which increases flexibility and accessibility and complies with international standards.
- Efficiency: Automated evaluations and feedback save time and resources.
Creation of SCORM-based e-assessments
An authoring tool can be used to create SCORM-based e-assessments that contain various question types and interactive elements. These assessments can then be uploaded to the LMS and assigned to participants. The SCORM file contains all the necessary information for assessment and feedback, which is automatically transmitted to the LMS.
Use in the learning management system (LMS)
The LMS serves as a central platform for the administration and implementation of e-assessments. It enables the assignment of assessments to participants, the monitoring of progress and the provision of feedback. By integrating SCORM-based e-assessments, detailed analyses and reports can be created to document the learning progress and performance of participants.
Comparison of digital assessment methods
Normative vs. Ipsative procedures
- Normative procedures: Compare the results of an individual with a reference group and are useful for inter-individual comparisons. This method helps to evaluate the performance of an individual in comparison to others.
- Ipsative methods: Focusing on individual behavior and past successes to identify personal behavior patterns. This involves assessing individual progress and personal development.
Criteria-oriented tests
Criterion-based tests combine elements of both methods and assess whether and to what extent a certain behavior is pronounced. They are particularly useful for measuring specific skills or competencies and checking quality in a specially supported quality assurance process that is supported by the organization.
Computer-based vs. paper-based tests
- Computer-based tests: offer fast data collection and innovative question formats. They enable immediate evaluation and FeedbackFeedback is immediate feedback that helps learners to monitor their learning progress. to participants who wish to take the e-exams.
- Paper-based tests: continue to have their justification, especially in technically limited environments, and support accessibility. They are often easier to perform, but require manual evaluation.
Self-assessment vs. external assessment
- Self-assessment: Provides insights into the participants' self-perception. Participants assess their own skills and performance in self-assessments.
- External assessment: External observers can lead to more objective results. Third parties evaluate the performance of the participants.
Psychometric aspects and quality criteria of e-assessments
Psychometric aspects and quality criteria play a decisive role in the evaluation and development of electronic assessments. These criteria ensure that the e-assessment procedures for exams etc. are not only effective, but also fair, reliable and valid.
Objectivity
- Objectivity of implementation: The results should be independent of the examiner or the test environment. In e-assessment, this is often achieved through standardized test conditions.
- Objectivity of evaluation: The evaluation of the results should be independent of subjective assessments. Computer-based tests ensure this through automated evaluation algorithms that support the implementation of electronic tests.
- Objectivity of interpretation: The test results should be interpreted uniformly and according to defined criteria.
Reliability (dependability)
- Internal consistency: Measures the extent to which different tasks of the same test measure similar aspects.
- Test-retest reliability: The stability of the test results when repeated.
- Parallel test reliability: The agreement between the results of two comparable tests.
Validity (validity)
- Content validity: The testA test examines learning effectiveness and also supports the learning process. The test should cover all relevant aspects of the characteristic to be measured.
- Criterion validity: The correlation of the test results with an external criterion (e.g. professional success).
- Construct validity: The ability of the test to measure theoretical constructs (e.g. intelligence, abilities).
Fairness and ethical aspects
- Accessibility: E-assessments should be accessible to all participants regardless of technical or physical limitations.
- Avoidance of bias: Tests should be free from cultural, linguistic or gender bias.
Feedback and transparency
- Feedback to participants: Electronic assessments should provide constructive feedback to help participants understand and improve their performance.
- Transparency of the assessment criteria: The criteria according to which performance is assessed should be clear and comprehensible.
Technical challenges
E-assessments require a reliable technical infrastructure during the set-up and creation project. This includes stable internet connections, suitable hardware and software as well as technical support during implementation.
Safety aspects
The security of e-assessments is a key concern. This includes protection against fraud and the protection of participants' personal data. Measures such as identity verification, monitoring technologies and secure data transmission are necessary to ensure the integrity of the e-assessment.
The future of e-assessment
The future of e-assessment looks promising. With the further development of technology and increasing digitalization, the applicationApplications are software tools that help us with everyday and specific tasks. of e-assessments will continue to increase. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning offer new ways of analysing and evaluating test results, allowing personalized learning and development plans to be created. These technologies make it possible to carry out even more accurate and meaningful assessments. VR and AR technologies could offer immersive exam experiences in the future, simulating real-life situations to better assess practical skills.