Global education is at a crossroads. Rising geopolitical tensions and the pandemic have disrupted institutions worldwide, pressing testing giants like the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to rethink how students are evaluated.
For Rohit Sharma, senior vice president at ETS, these headwinds are a catalyst for innovation. "We're reimagining standardized tests as adaptive, AI-powered tools that mirror real-world tasks," he tells Wang Guan in this month's edition of The Hub. By analyzing data from millions of test-takers, ETS aims to deliver more personalized feedback and reduce bias.
One key initiative? A competency-based education framework co-developed with partners in the Chinese mainland. By aligning assessments with workplace skills—like critical thinking and digital literacy—ETS hopes to bridge the gap between universities and employers, ensuring graduates are prepared for tomorrow's challenges.
AI is at the heart of this transformation. From automated scoring of written responses to real-time analytics, test-takers can now receive detailed insights into their performance. ETS is also exploring remote proctoring tools to make exams more accessible, particularly in regions where travel and health concerns persist.
As global education evolves, the focus is shifting from rote memorization to practical competencies. By blending cutting-edge technology with strategic partnerships—both in G20 nations and beyond—ETS is charting a course toward a more inclusive, future-ready learning ecosystem.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
