Prof. Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah
Biography
Prof. Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah is the eminent scholar of international level in Computer Science currently working as CEO / Secretary, IBCC Islamabad. Yesterly, Dr. Mallah was the Professor & Head of Computer Sciences in the Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. Dr. Mallah acquired his Master degree from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad and PhD in Computer Science through HEC Indigenous Scholarship from FAST-Karachi & SALU Khairpur. Dr. Mallah also achieved Post-doctorate in Educational Technology & Academic Leadership from Glasgow University, Scotland, UK. He has more than 45 articles at his credit having recognition nationally & internationally. He has also supervised more than 100 BS/MS/PhD projects. Dr. Mallah is winner of 04 HEC-Funded R&D projects. Dr. Mallah joined SALU in 1996 where he was entrusted and accomplished various administrative assignments for the advancement of S.A.L.U. in the capacity of Chairman Department of Computer Science, Focal Person Women University Sukkur, Focal Person International Linkages & Exchange Programs, Chairman Department of Teacher Education, Advisor to Vice Chancellor for Planning & Development, Director P&D, Director Computerized Students Attendance Cell and Network Administrator etc. Dr. Mallah was a brilliant inclusion in the field of Education, who won Indigenous PhD Scholarship, “ICT Excellence Award 2012” in the category of “IT Education”. He is organizer of FOUR consecutive International Conferences on Computer & Emerging Technologies and ONE International Conference on Research in Education & Technologies 2017. He is pioneer of Department of Teacher Education and Faculty of Education, the projects of USAID. He has vast experience of working with HEC, British Council, USAID, United States Education Foundation, etc. He is actively involved in various national & international professional bodies for Quality Assurance in HEIs, Curriculum Designing, Accreditations, Tertiary Education Support Program, and Development of Strategic & Business Plans for HEIs, International Linkages, etc.
Abstract
Effective Virtual Assessment Tools and Strategies at School Level in Global South
Assessment is an important component of a school curriculum, which not only measures knowledge, skills and aptitudes but also motivates the learners in exploring the innovative ways for enhancing their capacity. Therefore, we believe that assessment is a driving force for all the key stakeholders in creating and promoting a learning culture. However, COVID-19 changed the scenario of formal schooling including the paper-pencil test. The teachers, schools, school systems, examination boards, Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), and education departments in Pakistan encouraged the use of virtual instructional practices. A plethora of such practices including collaborative boards, quizzes, uploading audio and video recording, FormsApp, observation through zoom and Google classes, etc. In this regard, we conducted a survey from K-12 school teachers about the effectiveness of various virtual assessment tools and strategies. We found that “Nearpod” and “Edulastic” help in assessing learners' real-time progress against the set standards. Both help teachers and students in identifying what concepts should be re-taught and how. Also, they provide feedback to the learners on their weaknesses and strengths. We also found that Nearpod and Edulastic increase involvement of learners, especially at secondary level. The findings reveal great potential of such effective assessment tools across the school systems in Pakistan.