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A country’s progress is often closely tied to the advancement of its education system. One key indicator used to measure this advancement is the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluates the educational performance of countries worldwide. PISA is managed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which includes Indonesia as one of its members.
At a recent event organised by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Trina Fizzanty, the Head of the Education Research Centre (Pusrisdik), highlighted the importance of PISA and shared insights from the Digital Education Outlook 2023.
Fizzanty emphasised digital education’s significance, showcasing data highlighting Hungary as one of the 29 countries that have successfully transitioned to digital education. “For this reason, in this discussion session we present an expert who is also a role model both in theory and practice in the field of technology-based testing,” she said, introducing Gyongyver Molnar, a professor from the University of Szeged, Hungary.
Molnar’s presentation delved into the history, challenges, and possibilities of technology-based assessment (TBA) development. Molnar explained that technology-based testing has been used extensively for data collection and analysis, providing feedback and facilitating various assessments.
Looking ahead, Molnar discussed the future of educational testing, which is expected to feature several advanced components. These include intelligent systems integrating learner and teacher models and monitoring and modelling learners’ emotional, metacognitive, and cognitive states. Modern test computers are designed to interact with users, support collaborative and cooperative testing/learning, apply adaptive assessment models, and provide fast and accurate feedback.
Molnar emphasises the responsibility of research institutions to deploy technology for testing and measurement. He warns that poorly designed assessments could negatively impact student learning. “Research institutions should ensure that they use quality data,” he states. Quality data is the only valid source for improvement and progress.
One of the critical points Molnar raised was the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational testing. Researchers and research institutions increasingly utilise AI, but Molnar stressed the need for expert supervision and control. He highlighted the potential risks associated with AI, including biases and inaccuracies if not correctly managed.
Molnar also underscored the importance of understanding any test’s theoretical underpinnings. He advised researchers to familiarise themselves with multiple theories related to their developing assessments. “Relying on a single theory is insufficient. It’s essential to explore and understand various theoretical perspectives to ensure comprehensive and accurate measurement,” he concluded.
Integrating digital technology in education, mainly through technology-based testing, represents a significant advancement for countries striving to improve their educational outcomes. Indonesia is taking necessary steps toward enhancing its educational system through its participation in international assessments like PISA and its focus on adopting digital education strategies. The insights shared by experts like Molnar provide valuable guidance for the continued development and implementation of practical technology-based assessments, ensuring that they contribute positively to student learning and overall educational progress.
As Indonesia and other countries continue to navigate the complexities of digital education, the lessons from pioneers in the field, such as Hungary, and the experiences of researchers like Molnar will be instrumental in shaping the future of educational testing and assessment. By leveraging technology responsibly and effectively, nations can better equip their students for the challenges of the 21st century, fostering a more educated and capable global population.
“Integrating technology and education is prevalent. In Indonesia, this integration is seen as a crucial step toward meeting global education standards and improving student performance on international benchmarks,” concludes Molnar.
