How Technology Impacts Educational Assessment

The main concept discussed within Bower’s (2019) article is that technology remains a mediator for learning. Specifically, it acts as a bridge between educators and students, making education and knowledge more accessible and personalized to the learner. Technology has proven to have significant benefits regarding educational assessment, but only if it is utilized in accordance with pedagogical practices that enhance learning.

Bower addresses this by discussing that technology is only helpful in assessment when it is used correctly to support learning outcomes. Briefly touching on the Constructivist Learning Theory, it entails that learners must generate or “construct” knowledge through firsthand experience or physical engagement. Technology can support this endeavor through virtual learning, communication, gamification, and more. This only remains in effect when tech is used in “designing [programs, platforms, etc.] for learning” which encapsulates the idea that digital technology can be a tool to reach learning outcomes, rather than the source of learning.

Another concept that I found relevant was how the use of technological affordances can impact student learning experiences. As discussed by Bower’s (2019) the choice of technology or the “fundamental properties of how the thing could be used” can greatly impact how students learn and interact with the presented knowledge. For instance, the delivery of class lectures on virtual platforms (asynchronous or synchronous; for example, prerecorded lectures or zoom lectures) may have differed outcomes of participation, retention, and attention, resulting in varied outcomes. Understanding the goals and objectives of how educators would like students to interact with media is something to consider.

Furthermore, I thought that the concept of feedback in digital learning environments was really interesting. Feedback provides students with an instant identification of educational gaps and builds confidence through virtual teaching presences. This can assist students in identifying learning strengths and weaknesses, mapping where they can improve.

On the other hand, some challenges exist within technology-based educational assessment. With the rise of AI and LLMs, academic integrity and prevention of cheating remain a challenge for educators. Additionally, physical access to technology or limited digital literacy may be a limiting factor. Educators relying on students to gain access to online resources and systems may be problematic for those who cannot afford devices or live in rural areas without internet access.

To summarize, Bower’s technology-mediated learning theory critically analyzes the usage of technology in the classroom. His findings conclude that technology does have the potential to become an extremely powerful tool in relation to educational assessment. If educators ensure that technology supports students and their comprehension (making sure learning outcomes are being met), this will continue to be an impactful method.

I think that this conversation is directly related to learning outcomes #4 and 7. Reading and understanding literature that relates to concepts and theories in open education is crucial for evaluation of tools, methods, and outcomes connected to student success.