As digital literacy becomes an increasingly important basic skill, End-Point Assessment practices should strive to both support and enable digital solutions.
There are very few assessment methodologies which cannot be conducted to some degree – if not in totality – remotely. The benefits of such a practice should not go unnoticed!
Flexibility
Remote invigilation software can be used to offer a greater range of options for the Assessment to take place. All parties can work together to find a time that works well for them and can do so from the comfort of their own home, without the need to worry about being in a certain place at a certain time.
Cost
Face to Face assessments can carry a surplus fee, in addition to increased costs incurred due to travel to and from assessments sites. This is further exacerbated by the increased time required to undertake the assessment. Remote assessment means that assessments can take place in an agreed suitable environment, free from distraction and minus the need to travel. Some candidates have even been known to use their lunch hour to complete assessments!
Feedback and Outcomes
For some test-based assessments, feedback and outcomes can be delivered much faster when using remote methodologies. Automated marking and the removal of the need to submit completed answer papers can provide candidates with feedback in a reduced period of time. It also enables thematic feedback to be produced to help candidates and providers identify themes/areas of key strength and areas for improvement.
Supports current work practice
Digital interactions are a common workplace habit for many, and that won’t be changing any time soon. Assessments are designed to test a candidate’s competence against the included criteria and remote methodologies help test their understanding of the digital platform being used.
Streamlined and simple
Depending on the sector, processes to enable assessors onsite can be arduous and create additional work outside of the assessment itself. Remote assessment eliminates this completely!
Increased security
For test-based assessments, all associated materials, test papers and completed exam slips are stored electronically and only those permitted will be granted authorisation to access the online test. This makes for a safer and more secure process.
Accessibility
Remote assessment practices enable agreed on reasonable adjustments to be accommodated. This may range from an inline test to supporting assessment preferences where face-to-face interaction may be detrimental.
Go Green
And last but not least, remote assessment has an array of environmental benefits, including electronic submissions of projects and portfolio, helping avoid mass printing and significantly reducing administrative burden. It also helps reduce the carbon footprint from travelling to assessment sites.
So those are the benefits of remote End-Point Assessment methodologies! If you’d like to work remote assessments into your working processes, get in touch with your TQUK End-Point Assessment Coordinator, who’ll be able to help you out!
