LEVERAGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR ENHANCED ASSESSMENT ITEM DESIGN: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
T. Liontou
This presentation explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) specifically in designing assessment items for English as a Foreign Language (EFL). It discusses the advantages, limitations, and practical considerations involved in integrating AI into EFL item creation processes.
AI presents transformative potential for EFL assessment item design by automating and enhancing the creation of language assessment tasks. Key strengths include the ability to efficiently generate large volumes of diverse, linguistically appropriate items aligned with precise language competencies and proficiency levels. AI can ensure consistency in item creation, helping educators tailor assessments to individual learner needs.
However, several challenges accompany the use of AI in EFL item design. A critical limitation lies in AI's reliance on language corpora, which may not fully represent diverse language usage or cultural contexts necessary for effective EFL assessments. This dependency can inadvertently lead to biases or linguistic inaccuracies. Additionally, developing and maintaining sophisticated AI systems requires significant investment in technology and training, potentially creating barriers for institutions with limited resources.
The presentation highlights specific AI practices used effectively in EFL item design, including natural language processing (NLP) for automated question generation, machine learning algorithms for adaptive assessment tasks, and computational linguistic analysis for determining item difficulty and linguistic appropriateness. These techniques could enhance the adaptability of EFL assessments, allowing educators to provide more personalized language learning experiences.
Recommendations include integrating AI-generated items with human expertise to ensure cultural relevance and linguistic accuracy, establishing clear ethical and practical guidelines for AI use in EFL contexts, and prioritizing professional development for educators in AI literacy. Ultimately, this research underscores both the promising capabilities and inherent complexities of AI-driven EFL item design, advocating for thoughtful and balanced adoption to enrich EFL assessments.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, assessment item design, automated item generation, natural language processing, adaptive learning, machine learning, neural networks, educational technology, AI ethics, assessment innovation.