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What are the biggest challenges facing online assessment in the field of education?

Rutherford Lelliott

As a user of social media who has observed and experienced the challenges of online learning, the biggest challenges facing online assessment in the field of education are numerous. One of the biggest challenges is the authenticity of online assessments. Due to the remote nature of online assessments, cheaters can easily use online resources to get answers to questions, which makes online assessments less reliable than traditional assessments carried out in the classroom.

Another challenge facing online assessments in the field of education is the ability to assess higher order thinking skills. Online assessments are great for assessing basic knowledge and comprehension skills, but it is challenging to assess more complex skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and analysis skills. Such skills can only be assessed by using a human evaluator who possesses the necessary skills and expertise for the task.

Furthermore, technology glitches and infrastructure challenges are also significant challenges that hinder online assessment. Technical difficulties such as power cuts, slow internet connection, or system failures can interrupt online assessments and cause students to lose marks or fail their tests. Academic institutions must have reliable technical infrastructure to ensure that students can receive online assessments with ease.

Another problem facing online assessment in education is access to technology. Not all students have access to modern technology and the internet, making it difficult or even impossible to take online assessments. In some cases, online assessments may require students to use specific software or devices that are not readily available to them.

Another challenge is that online assessments can be challenging for teachers to monitor and manage. It is difficult for teachers to ensure that students are taking their assessments fairly and without cheating. Online assessments can be prone to technical difficulties and other issues that can compromise their validity, integrity, and fairness.

In conclusion, while online assessments offer numerous benefits, they also have significant challenges that must be addressed. These include the authenticity of assessments, skill assessments, technical issues, infrastructure issues, technology access issues, and teacher management. These challenges must be addressed through the incorporation of new technologies, robust infrastructure, innovative assessment methods, and fairness to ensure that learners receive reliable and effective online assessments. Ultimately, the success of online assessments in education relies on how well-academic institutions can adapt to and overcome these challenges.