The Use of E-assessment and Its Contribution to the Learners’ Autonomy During the Pandemic of Covid19 : The Case of Master 1 English Language Students (Didactics and Applied Linguistics), at Ain Temouchent University

Abstract

The transition from traditional to modern assessment methods and procedures, such as eassessment, is a significant step forward in Algerian academic institutions, particularly universities, due to the COVID19. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of online assessment and its contribution to the development of learner autonomy. The investigation is divided into three stages: an introduction with basic concepts, a methodological stage to describe the research steps, and an analytical stage to arrive at the conclusions. The sample population consists of 76 master1 English language students specializing in Didactics and Applied Linguistics at Ain Temouchent University’s department of letters and English language, as well as 7 EFL teachers from the same department. In order to finish this study and fulfill the objectives, one instrument was employed to collect information: questionnaires with students and teachers. The study's key findings indicate that there is a capacity to use electronic assessment instead of traditional appraisal procedures and that using this assessment promotes learners' autonomy in numerous ways. The conclusion of this research consists of several suggestions related to some aspects that contribute to the adoption of electronic assessment, and these suggestions include educational courses with external universities to exchange experience, special training for teachers as part of the educational methodology so that the professor has sufficient experience in electronic assessment, and some E-learning platforms to increase learners' computing skills.