Technology enhanced assessment: Ottawa consensus statement and recommendations

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Educational Technology

Background:

• A 2011 consensus report outlined technology-enhanced assessment (TEA) practices and future directions.
• Technological advancements have since revolutionized learner assessment in higher education, including health professions education (HPE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated consensus on technology-enhanced assessment (TEA).
• To integrate technological potential with assessment goals for learner attainment, faculty development, and healthcare practice improvement.

Main Methods:

• Review of scholarly publications on TEA in HPE and general higher education.
• Incorporation of feedback from 2020 Ottawa Conference workshops.
• Analysis of assessment technology practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Results:

• Identified evolving areas and unresolved issues in TEA.
• Adopted a three-stage approach: readiness, application, and evaluation/dissemination.
• Focused on assessment authenticity, learner engagement, design, delivery, and progress tracking.

Conclusions:

• TEA continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for assessment.
• The updated consensus addresses key areas for optimizing assessment technology in education and practice.
• Focus on learner progress and faculty activity supports longitudinal learning and continuous assessment.