D-Eva Programme: Supporting Academics to Use Digital Tools for Students’ Assessment

Abstract

This chapter introduces a research-based professional programme tailored to enhance the assessment competencies of higher education academics using digital tools. The program’s primary goal is to empower academics to evaluate students’ practical skills through innovative technological strategies and tools. Developed within the collaborative framework of the D-Eva project, the programme underwent a participatory co-creation process involving academics, assessment experts, researchers, and digital content creators across four European countries. Its design draws from comprehensive research insights and considers crucial factors that foster academic and professional growth. Grounded in the belief that educators should actively shape their assessment methodologies, the programme positions them as reflective practitioners within a Professional Learning Community framework anchored in social constructivist principles. Moreover, the “D-Eva programme” adopts evidence-informed practices to facilitate teacher development in universities, accommodating diverse levels of digital literacy. It offers a range of resources, including a database housing various assessment activities, an online hub featuring examples of digital resources, and four self-paced micro-modules designed to support and enhance assessment practices.