Digital Frontiers in Educational Measurement: Harnessing the ELANA Tool for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

Group Submission Type: Workshop

Description of Session

In an era where digital transformation shapes every aspect of our lives, the People's Action for Learning (PAL) Network’s Early Language & Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PAL-ELANA) tool emerges as a pioneering digital resource aimed at addressing educational disparities. This 75-minute workshop provides a comprehensive exploration of how the ELANA tool leverages digital technologies to enhance foundational learning assessments. Designed for children aged 4-10 across 12 countries in the Global South, ELANA combines robust data collection with insightful analytics to gauge the educational outcomes of children.
This workshop will delve into the multifaceted development process of ELANA, from conceptualization to field implementation, highlighting its innovative approach to digitally assessing literacy and numeracy skills. We will examine the challenges and successes encountered during the tool’s deployment in diverse educational environments, emphasizing its adaptability and scalability. Participants will engage in hands-on demonstrations to witness firsthand the tool’s capabilities in generating actionable data, which is crucial for informing policy and practice.
Interactive discussions will form the core of this session, inviting attendees to contemplate the integration of digital assessments into their own educational frameworks. The workshop aims to equip educators, policymakers, and educational stakeholders with the knowledge to utilize digital tools like ELANA to foster inclusive and equitable education systems. By focusing on practical applications and collaborative problem-solving, participants will leave with tailored strategies for adopting PAL Network assessments to address foundational learning gaps in their respective contexts.
Moreover, the session will provide a platform for sharing global insights and fostering international collaborations, essential for driving forward the global agenda of educational equity and quality in the digital age. Through this workshop, we aim to not only share the capabilities of the PAL-ELANA tool but also inspire a dialogue on the broader implications of digital technology in shaping future educational landscapes.
-Learning Objectives
• Understand the design and functionality of the PAL-ELANA digital assessment tool.
• Explore the implications of digital assessments on educational policy and practice.
• Develop strategies for implementing digital tools in diverse educational contexts.
-Delivery Plan
Structure:
• Introduction (15 minutes): Overview of the PAL-ELANA tool's objectives and development, highlighting its relevance to the conference theme.
• Demonstration (20 minutes): Live demonstration of the PAL-ELANA tool, showcasing its features and user interface.
• Interactive Discussion (20 minutes): Facilitated discussion on integrating digital tools like ELANA into educational practices.
• Collaborative Planning (20 minutes): Breakout sessions for participants to draft implementation strategies for their contexts.

Sub Unit

• Book launches and Workshops / Workshop

Chair

• Armando A Ali, PAL Network

Workshop Organizer

• Najme Kishani Kishani, Meeting with Dr. Najme Kishani

Presenters

• Maurice Walker

• Muhammad Usman, PAL Network