Considerations for Future Online Testing and Assessment in Colleges and Universities

Abstract

AbstractThe onset of the coronavirus pandemic forced schools and universities across the nation and world to close and move to distance learning rather immediately. Almost two years later, colleges and universities have reopened, and most students have returned to campuses, but distance learning still occurs at a much higher rate than before the beginning of the pandemic. A few preliminary studies have shown that online assessment results are similar to in‐person assessment results. However, as colleges and universities have expanded their online options, new issues have arisen related to best practices, equity, fairness, test security, and test integrity. Paper‐and‐pencil assessments should not merely be moved to online assessments without careful consideration to how this administration change affects all students. With the switch to more online assessments, educators and researchers should thoroughly evaluate how to provide these assessments in the most secure, fair, and valid manner while also maintaining the test or assessment's integrity and interpretation.