Authentic Assessments for Digital Education: Learning Technologies Shaping Assessment Practices

Abstract

Assessment is a powerful lever that affects learning. To better inform educators on authentic assessment practices within digital education, this paper takes us through a metaanalysis of existing literature between 2011 to 2021. The study evaluates the following research question: “How are emerging technologies shaping authentic assessment practices within digital education for the period between 2011 and 2023”. To aid with the forecasting, we utilize the EDUCAUSE Horizon Reports, which provide the predictions of emerging technology. This study affirms the importance of immersive learning technologies, followed by ubiquitous and adaptive learning technologies as key growth research interest areas impacting authentic assessments in the coming years. Results from this study found that the application of immersive learning technologies on authentic assessments is presently highly prioritized as a research area. However, this may likely be overtaken by applications of adaptive learning technologies in the near future. In addition, the application of ubiquitous learning technologies on authentic assessments offers much promise, having grown extensively in research intensity since 2011, overtaking learning objects. The study can help researchers understand past, present and future metatrends of emerging technologies shaping authentic assessment practices, and identify promising potential areas for research and/or education focus.