Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies MOOC’s Updates

Technology Integration in Language Testing & Assessment

The onset of the pandemic has opened doors for educators to utilize technology in delivering instruction. Associated with this, learners have to take
language assessments online. Although the pandemic has ended, some institutions have shifted to blended mode of delivery. Thus, problems on  incorporating technology in assessment are still present in the academe. There are different language testing and assessments (LTAs)that integrate technology at present. Computer-based LTA and mobile-assisted LTA are among these. 

Computer-based LTA employs computer applications for eliciting and evaluating test takers’ performance in a particular language. Learners’ skills are assessed through matching exact answers typically in the evaluation of receptive skills and sometimes productive skills, and by analyzing the test-
takers which enables performative-based testing. Examples are TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test of English, and LanguageCert International ESOL.

Mobile-assisted LTA is a smartphone-based assessment for language
learning. Learners may access the assessment and can know immediately their scores after taking the test anytime and anywhere as long as they have their gadgets. Examples are Babbel, IELTS Practice Test, and British Council English Score.

References:

Azar, A.S., & Nasiri, H. (2014). Learners’ attitudes towards the effectiveness of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in L2 listening comprehension. Elsevier 98, 1836-1843. https://doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.03.613

Hasan, M. Islam, A. S., & Shuchi, I. J. (2021). Using mobile-based formative assessment in ESL/EFL Speaking. Journal of Languages and Language Testing, 9 (1), 117-125. https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v%vi%i.3449

Suvorov, R. & Hegelheimer, V. (2014). Computer-assisted language testing. The Companion to Language Assessment 1 (1). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118411360.wbcla083