Formative assessment in a pandemic context: The caseof the application E-valuados

Abstract

The beginning of the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus unleashed drastic changes in thedifferent spheres of social life. Consequently, daily activities had to be adapted to new formats in order to be completed. In particular, the educational community experienced different transformations, among which the inclusion of digital technologies stands out, not only as a means of communication or support for teaching, but also as devices for evaluation, intended to promote a ubiquitous learning. This descriptive, exploratory study was produced with the purpose of surveying the evaluation strategiesused by teachers during the pandemic period. It also sought to analyse the incorporation of the E-valuados mobile application in order to investigate the perceptions and reactions of students, the different modes of usage of the application and the perceptions of teachers. To this end, a sample was defined using the non-probabilistic criterion. The following instruments were used: a questionnaire administered through the application itself (E-valuados), 6 focus groups composed of teachers (three from private universities and three from public universities) and 2 focus groups composed of student users from these institutions. The results allowed us to identify incentives and obstacles in the implementation of formative assessment, particularly in the implementation of the mobile application. Finally, this study leaves us an invitation to reflect on our teacher training regarding university assessment.