Virtuous cycles of learning: Redesigning testing during the digital revolution
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Dawson, Theo (Author)
- Stein, Zachary (Author)
Title
Virtuous cycles of learning: Redesigning testing during the digital revolution
Abstract
This paper explores positive new directions for the future of educational testing by examining trends at the
interface of the learning sciences and advances in educational technologies. A brief history of the relation
between testing and technology sets the stage for a look at emerging “edu-tech” trends and what these might
mean for the future of testing. This historical-critical look at past and present testing practices reveals that the
learning sciences have been less influential in shaping the growth of testing infrastructures than cumulative
advances in technology that have enabled large-scale standardization and automation. We argue that during the
current “digital revolution” the learning sciences ought to assume more responsibility for shaping the adoption
of new testing technologies. We propose a set of principles that, if followed, would move tomorrow’s testing
infrastructures toward learning-centric design. Combining the affordances of new digital technologies with
advances in our understanding of learning make it possible to build tests that promote multi-level learning in
educational systems, catalyzing virtuous cycles of learning for everyone they affect—students, teachers, school
leaders, policy makers, and researchers. The DiscoTest™ Initiative is presented as a reform effort that is guided
by these design principles, serving as an example of positive new possibilities for testing at the interface of the
learning sciences and new educational technologies.
Date
2011-08-01
Conference Name
International School on Mind, Brain, and Education
Place
Sicily
Short Title
Virtuous cycles of learning
Accessed
2023-11-20
Library Catalogue
ResearchGate
Extra
Citation
Dawson, T., & Stein, Z. (2011, August 1). Virtuous cycles of learning: Redesigning testing during the digital revolution. International School on Mind, Brain, and Education, Sicily. https://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.2448.5121
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