In Q2 2024, RM Assessment commissioned independent global research exploring accreditors’, markers’ and learners’ current experiences and their perceptions on the future of digital assessment. The research targeted learners and accreditors in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada and Singapore.
Trends and insights are uncovered in “Learner Experience: Now and Opinions about the Future”, the first in a series of research reports focusing on learner experience and the opinions of learners, exam setters and markers for the future of assessment:
- Insights around current learner experience
- How learners view the future of assessment
- Learner opinions on whether digital exams create a more level playing field
- Views on Artificial intelligence (AI) from the learner perspective
- Formative assessment: opinions on assessment throughout learning
- Views on approaches to different subjects on screen and authentic testing
- Mocks and training on digital platforms and more
Key findings from the report include:
- 59% of learners prefer digital assessment compared to just 22% for pen & paper, almost 3:1.
- 64% of learners from a total of 1,716 said they would be more likely to choose a course if it was assessed digitally. This was the view of 73% of learners taking professional qualifications.
- There is a high level of confidence (68%) that learners can be accurately assessed for qualifications and that they can better prepare for working in an increasingly digital world by taking assessments digitally.
- Learners taking professional qualifications find workplace simulations and functioning/live spreadsheets significantly more useful (51%) than other tools (average 38%) for assessing vocational skills.
- 28% of learners in total felt that 1-2 years was the length of time they should have to access digital assessment platforms prior to taking exams digitally.
- 69% of learners think AI is going to transform the creation and administration of assessments.
The learner experience is the most important consideration for educational institutions, exam awarding bodies and governments offering professional qualifications worldwide.
First published at the e-Assessment Conference and Awards in June, download the research findings for actionable takeaways to help you better align your assessment programme to meet the needs of your learners and gain competitive advantage.