Research: The use of assistive technologies for assessment

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The use of assistive technologies for assessment

Ref: Ofqual/21/6794PDF, 534KB, 43 pages

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This report describes a qualitative research study which Ofqual undertook in 2019 to improve our understanding of how Assistive Technology (AT) is being used in the assessment of general qualifications. We interviewed learners, teachers and special education needs coordinators (SENCos) about the AT which they use for assessment, whether they encounter any barriers to using it, and how they feel the use of AT impacts on their experience of assessment and their performance.

Ofqual continues to work with awarding organisations, teachers, learners and other stakeholders so that our regulatory approach does not present barriers to the use of AT in assessment while also minimising the risk of malpractice and maladministration. This work involved Ofqual directly engaging with teachers and students to better understand their experience of using AT in practice, illustrating some of the challenges and how they may be overcome.