Yale CLS Virtual Brown Bag Series: Dr. Erik Voss

This week, the Center for Language Study is delighted to host Dr. Erik Voss of Columbia University Teachers College.

Technology for learning-oriented assessment in remote environments

Effective use of information technologies has become increasingly important as we shift to remote or hybrid language learning and assessment. Because of limited in-person interaction, selection and application of appropriate technologies for remote environments becomes critical. In a remote environment, language learning and language assessment tasks can share technologies for the purpose of assessing learning. For example, a learning-oriented language assessment approach can enable new forms of learning interaction and capturing new forms of evidence for learning (Saville, 2013). In addition, computers and mobile devices are capable of supporting collaborative or independent tasks, enhancing learner engagement, and providing appropriate, timely feedback.

This presentation will discuss ways in which technology can support basic principles of learning-oriented assessment such as developing assessment tasks as learning tasks, including student involvement in assessment processes, and producing forward-looking feedback (Keppell & Carless, 2006). Furthermore, the selection of appropriate tools and resources should take into consideration new language constructs and the impact of new assessment methods (Chapelle & Voss, 2016). The discussion will also highlight emerging information technologies that can be adapted for learning-oriented language assessment.

Presenter Bio

Erik Voss, Ph.D. is a Lecturer in the Applied Linguistics and TESOL program at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. His teaching and research interests include applications of natural language processing in applied linguistics, language assessment and technology, and language assessment validation research. He has served as secretary of the Midwest Association of Language Testers (MwALT) and is an active member-at-large on the board of the International Language Testing Association (ILTA). He is currently coordinating social media for ILTA as part of the communications sub-committee and exploring options for hosting virtual language testing events.