Colloquium Examines Online Remote Assessment due to COVID-19

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The College of Humanities’ Office of the Dean of Teaching and Learning recently held a virtual colloquium titled Assessment through digital platforms within Higher Education Studies.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize delivered the welcome and opening address while Professor Sandile Songca, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning gave a thought-provoking presentation titled How Can the Fourth Industrial and Educational Revolutions take Assessment to the Next Level?

The colloquium focused on quality assurance risks of online assessment; barriers to and the security of online assessment (eg participation gaps; mobile devices, and authorisation of such assessment); inclusivity to accommodate diverse groups of students (eg disability), and more theoretical/philosophical approaches to assessment. It was well attended, with presenters and participants from local and regional institutions.

Presenters shared their experiences and reflections on online remote formative, summative and integrated assessment from March 2020 when all Higher Education Institutions in South Africa were forced to shift from contact teaching, learning and assessment to the online mode. There were striking similarities in the experiences of academic staff and students across institutions and disciplines.

Colloquium convenor Professor Labby Ramrathan gave a short address to frame the colloquium, including the opportunities and challenges of online assessment, the need to be sensitive to context and for a new way of doing things in line with Education 4.0, engendering a collaborative attitude, and addressing the fears of academics (loss of control) and students (what do I need to do to pass?).

Dean of Teaching and Learning in the College Professor Ruth Hoskins noted that the colloquium provided an indication of what needs to be done to ensure that the necessary guidelines, policies and frameworks are put in place to facilitate assessment through digital platforms. She added that the colloquium on online assessment would be an annual event at UKZN.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Image: Supplied