Cambridge hosts global e-assessment event

The global e-assessment community gathered to share experiences, expertise and the latest developments at the FLIP+ Annual Event 2023, hosted by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from 8-9 June. 

The event was hosted at Cambridge's global headquarters, in partnership with the Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI). FLIP+ began with assessment bodies from four countries – France, Luxembourg, Italy and Portugal – and has grown to have representatives in almost 20 countries across Europe, Asia, and North and South America.  

The FLIP+ event complements the work of the Cambridge Digital Assessment Programme in developing computer-based assessments. Sarah Hughes (pictured below), Research and Thought Leadership Lead within Cambridge's Digital Assessment team said:

I started working in assessment 30 years ago and these conferences have been some of the best I have ever attended, so when it was suggested that Cambridge host the event this year, we grasped the chance to support this valuable community of practice.  

Throughout the two-day conference, participants took part in workshops and presentations in areas such as digital transformation, AI, and computational methods, exploring technology tools and solutions. Sarah Hughes presented on 'How do the affordances of digital teaching and learning overlap (or not) with the affordances of digital assessment?'.  

Other member presentations included: 

• Jemma Coulton and Lili Mackney from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) on: 'Developing accessible and engaging reading stimuli texts for onscreen assessment of primary children' 
• Juan Manuel Ortiz Guerrero from the National Institute for Educational Evaluation (NIEE) on: 'Challenges in the development of a digital competence-based assessment in Spain'
• Noura Kelloul (PNEA) on: 'The Moroccan Experience: Innovative Developments of the National Student Achievements Assessment Program' 
• Eka Jeladze, Program Manager from the National Examination Assessment Centre in Tbilisi, Georgia, on: 'Boosting the e-assessment experience: A Georgian Case'. 

The FLIP+ Annual Event 2023 in Cambridge follows on from the successful launch of Cambridge's digital GCSE, IGCSE and A Level mock exams service around the world earlier this year. Sarah Hughes commented: 

We are dedicated to driving innovation and best practice in the transition to computer-based assessments for our global community of teachers, learners, and researchers.

Over 1000 assessments were taken and marked in the UK and internationally and offered examiner-marked onscreen mock exam results within 14 days for the first time. The development of research-informed digital assessments is integral to the Cambridge approach, including fostering collaborative global partnerships to help bridge the gap between the adoption and implementation of e-assessment practices. 

Learn more about how Cambridge research is shaping digital assessment and read about building a future that goes beyond the limits of paper tests.