Where’s the transformation? Unlocking the potential of technology-enhanced assessment

This study provides insight into technology-enhanced assessment (TEA) in diverse higher education contexts. The effectiveness of using technology for assessment in higher education is still equivocal, particularly in regard to evidence of improvements in student learning. This empirical research explores the affordances that technology offers to assessment for transforming student learning. A systematic literature review, guided by an analytic survey tool, was used to identify and interrogate recent scholarly articles published in 19 international journals. From a total of 1713 articles, 139 articles were identified as being focused on the use of technology for assessment. The analytic tool guided the rigorous exploration of the literature regarding the types of technology being used, the educational goal, the type of assessment, and the degree of “transformation” afforded by the technology. Results showed that, in the sample investigated, TEA is used most frequently for formative peer learning, as part of the task design and feedback stages of the assessment cycle, and that social media has been a major affordance for this. Results are discussed with a view to fostering a future culture of inquiry and scholarship around TEA in higher education

Technology in the flipped classroom

Digital technologies can play an integral role in the success of the flipped classroom: from the capacity to support and engage students, to understanding how students learn through learning and assessment analytics. The increasing ubiquity of enabling technologies allows for an array of opportunities for educators to augment teaching and learning strategies for the flipped classroom (Chap. 1). However, technology continues to be an ongoing challenge for educators. Bergman (2013) identifies technology as the “second hurdle” to implementing a flipped classroom. Part of this challenge is that while technology can be integral to the flipped classroom, the specific technologies and how they are used need to be deeply connected to the context in which the classroom is offered. This chapter focuses on the function and role of technology in supporting effective flipped classroom design. While we do not wish to dismiss or diminish the role of technology, this chapter looks at why design takes precedence over technology, as well as the challenges and benefits of using technology in the classroom. We propose frameworks for using technology within your design context, and the types of questions to be considered to guide the design process as well as providing some examples of technology to help you