Online Writing Assessment in the Wake of COVID-19: Insights from the Digital Classroom

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has created considerable challenges for higher education across the globe. Drastic measures such as university closures have accelerated a shift to online learning and digital assessment. Malaysian universities have also transitioned to remote learning and digital testing in the wake of the pandemic. In the midst of this major paradigm shift, many questions regarding the effectiveness of online tests from the perspective of university students have not been addressed. The present study explores Malaysian university students' insights of doing online writing tests versus pen-paper tests. One of the aims of the study was to determine whether students used online resources as mediation tools when attempting an online writing test. Data were gathered anonymously using an online survey of 193 respondents. Using content analysis, it was found that majority of the respondents expressed a preference for online writing tests as opposed to conventional pen-paper tests. Students also reported using online resources as mediation tools to aid writing during digital writing assessments. In general, respondents revealed that the online environment which allows them access to digital tools makes writing easier and less demanding. The respondents also opined that convenience, ability to manage time, conducive environment and affordance of digital resources make online testing an attractive option for writing assessment. The findings suggest that test setters and educators should consider the impact of online writing environments and digital tools when designing online writing tests. Further interpretations and useful pedagogical implications are discussed.