Promoting Fairness and Equity: How Technology is Transforming Assessment Practices
Gavin Cooney, CEO and Founder of Learnosity, looks at how embracing technology can lead to inclusive assessments in the workplace and education
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are no longer just buzzwords in today’s workplace—they’re the foundation for a successful business. Failing in these areas isn’t just a bad look, it’s a costly mistake that no company can afford to make.
Not only that, but DE&I is also a fundamental driver of business success.
Research by McKinsey & Company highlights a clear correlation: the most diverse companies outperform their less diverse peers by a staggering 36% in profitability.
But the benefits extend far beyond the bottom line. Having a team with different viewpoints is a recipe for awesome ideas, better problem-solving, and a more productive work environment.
If your organisation is really committed to DE&I, you’ve got to walk the walk through every part of the employee journey, from onboarding to training and assessment.
Traditionally, assessments have been invaluable for figuring out what learners know and how they can level up. But assessments created without inclusivity in mind can introduce unintentional biases, which can widen disparities among a diverse team and leave its true potential untapped.
The Challenge of Bias and Barriers
Mindfulness of DE&I is particularly important for publishers and any organisation that creates assessment content. Imagine a scenario where an assessment is riddled with language specific to a particular region, relies heavily on internet connectivity that may not be available in their home, or fails to consider disabilities.
Some organisations may regard these issues as trivial. But these seemingly minor oversights can create significant barriers for a large portion of the test-taking population.
The human tendency to design assessments based on our own experiences can also introduce unconscious bias and accidentally disadvantage individuals from different backgrounds.
The Power of Technology in Inclusive Assessments
The good news is that technology is rapidly changing the game when it comes the creation and delivery of inclusive assessments.
I’m very much of the mind that the primary goal of any assessment platform should be to create a level playing field, removing barriers that could hinder optimal performance.
But here’s the tricky part: making tests that are rigorous but still fair. It’s like walking a tightrope, which requires careful planning, a deep understanding of diverse learning styles, and a genuine commitment to cultural sensitivity.
AI is already demonstrating its potential in this area. AI-powered tools are not only reducing the time teachers spend on preparing and grading assessments, but allowing for more personalised testing experiences, and ultimately creating fairer opportunities for students to showcase their abilities.
Building Fairness from the Start
At Learnosity, we’re built on the principle of developing tools that empower organisations to build fairness into assessments from the very beginning.
The fantastic thing is that organisations can now leverage technology to create accessible and equitable assessments for internal training programs and certification processes with relatively low cost and effort. Our AI-powered tool, Author Aide, for example, streamlines the process of creating assessments, taking it from a process of hours to a matter of minutes.
We’re continuing to develop AI-enhanced tools, like our DE&I checker which flags potential bias within questions instantly, enabling authors to refine their assessments for greater inclusivity. And we’re expanding upon that idea to analyse entire item banks, so we can also help tackle issues like representation. In the scenarios depicted in your test content, are certain demographics disproportionately represented? If so, might that issue need to be addressed? And there’s also the problem of offensive and out-of-date language. Because language changes over time, can you be sure your older assessments don’t contain old-fashioned terms that might alienate and offend modern employees? We’re currently in the process of building AI solutions to identify and fix that kind of problematic content.
Innovations like these ensure that all employees, regardless of their background or abilities, have a fair shot at success and career advancement.
The Future of Assessment: Unlocking Potential
Emerging technologies like AI hold immense potential to revolutionise how we create assessments.
Advanced algorithms and data analysis can pave the way for personalised learning paths and tailored assessments. This, in turn, will enable individuals to unlock their full potential and contribute more meaningfully within their organisations.
Inclusion is not just about giving everyone a seat at the table—it’s about ensuring everyone has the tools and resources they need to thrive.
By embracing technology and prioritising inclusivity in assessments, we can create a future workplace where diverse talent can really flourish.
Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.