Building on solid foundations:

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Our completed institutional analysis (Activity 3.2) revealed significant assessment challenges across partner HEIs – from platform fragmentation to the need for trauma-informed evaluation methods during crisis. Meanwhile, our ongoing curricula adaptation work (Activity 3.3) has identified diverse assessment practices, from competency-based portfolios to flexible oral examinations that accommodate students under extraordinary stress.

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What we're designing:

 

Tailored assessment frameworks for each partner HEI and pilot curriculum that address the unique demands of emergency-induced cloud operations:

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• Flexible evaluation methods replacing rigid timed exams with project-based assignments, skills portfolios, and scenario-based tasks

• Inclusive assessment alternatives accommodating students in military service, displacement, or trauma situations

• Trauma-informed evaluation protocols acknowledging psychological stress through lighter workloads and formative feedback

• Secure online assessment platforms integrated with cloud-based LMS (Moodle, MS Teams, Google Classroom)

• Low-bandwidth solutions ensuring equity for students with limited connectivity

 

Why this matters:

 

Traditional assessment models are not suitable during crises. Students facing displacement cannot sit for proctored exams. Those in active military service need asynchronous alternatives. Learners experiencing trauma require psychological safety alongside academic rigor. At the same time, academic quality and integrity will have to be preserved.

 

Evidence-driven innovation:

 

CLOUD HED partner HEIs already facing crises have already pioneered crisis-responsive assessment during real emergencies – from open-book take-home assignments during wartime to oral presentations replacing traditional exams, and extended deadlines for displaced students. Activity 3.4 will systematise these innovations into replicable frameworks.

 

Expected outcomes:

 

Comprehensive assessment guidelines that maintain academic integrity while supporting student continuity, mental health, and certification during crises – ensuring no learner is left behind when traditional campus operations become impossible.

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How does your institution approach student evaluation during emergencies?