E-assessment on the spotlight: present and future prospects

The role that technology has played in the educational domain is undeniable. In fact, it has affected various aspects of students' way of learning, not least their assessment. This change has been conducive to an online based-evaluation in line with the 21st century era referred to as e-assessment. The present paper is a review of the literature that first defines assessment and spotlights its types, features, and importance. Then, it moves to e-assessment by highlighting its emergence, tools, and process. It also sheds light on the differences that may exist between e-assessment and other more conventional modes of evaluation and the underlying reasons behind its use. Because the computer-based assessment is seen divergently from one scholar to another, the article discusses those disagreeing opinions in the form of pro and cons from pedagogical, social, administrative, and financial considerations. Moreover, it explores the set of challenges that can come across its implementation and provides a set of recommendations. The work intends to provide an in-depth understanding about such type of evaluation and insights for future e-designers, teachers, and researchers alike on the different parameters that have to be taken into account before designing any e-assessment task in an educational setting.