07 April 2025 | Story: Nontobeko Moimane| Photo: Peter Maslea
3 minutes read time.
Dr Andrew Brown, a Doctor of Philosophy in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) graduate, has taken a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of e-assessment in higher education in a world increasingly shaped by digital transformation. His research is not only timely but deeply rooted in both personal experience and professional commitment to the evolution of teaching and learning.
Driven by a passion for meaningful change, Dr Brown, a recent Vaal University of Technology (VUT) PhD graduate, set out to explore why, despite the availability of digital tools, many universities struggle to fully adopt e-assessment. Dr Brown’s findings couldn’t be more relevant, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced institutions worldwide to pivot online.
“Covid changed everything,” reflects Dr Brown. “It wasn’t just about going online; it was about rethinking how we assess knowledge, support students, and empower educators. But I kept noticing a gap between our technology and how little of it is used in practice,” added Dr Brown.
An in-depth exploration of adopting e-assessment in blended-learning environments followed, particularly within South Africa’s higher education institutions. Dr Brown’s professional background in Information Technology (IT), including experience in software development, teaching, and systems for registration, made him uniquely equipped to tackle the topic.
He said, “Blended learning is that sweet spot where traditional education meets modern tech… It brings together the best of both worlds, but only if done right.”
His research culminated in the development of a robust framework for e-assessment adoption. It centres around five key elements: institutional support, technological infrastructure, staff readiness, student access and engagement, and sound assessment design.
“What surprised me was not just the technical barriers like internet access or infrastructure, but the cultural ones. Some educators hold firmly to traditional methods and are hesitant to change. And while we think students are ‘digital natives,’ their confidence with these systems varies much more than we assume,” he explained.
Through interviews, surveys, and deep engagement with ICT academics, he uncovered a nuanced picture of e-assessment adoption that calls for more than just tech fixes. His message to higher education institutions is clear: successful e-assessment requires strong leadership, collaboration across departments, and a commitment to equity.
“Management plays such a pivotal role… Without strategic support from the top, even the best tools won’t make an impact,” Dr Brown said.
Yet the journey wasn’t without challenges. Narrowing his research focus, balancing academic life with personal commitments, and fighting the occasional wave of self-doubt all tested her resilience.
He shared, “There were moments I questioned everything, especially during writing and data analysis. But I learned to break things down, focus on small wins, and lean on the support of peers and mentors.”
With his doctorate in hand, he’s looking ahead to the next chapter. His goals? To collaborate with institutions locally and internationally, contribute to policymaking, and continue research that advances educational technology and assessment.
“I want to apply what I’ve learned practically to help institutions implement e-assessment systems that are effective, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.
He’s also excited to explore how artificial intelligence and digital learning tools can further transform the classroom while continuing to publish and present his work.
For him, earning a PhD is more than a personal milestone. It symbolises perseverance and a deep commitment to improving education in the digital age.
“It’s about growth, intellectual, professional, and personal. It means using my voice and my research to make a difference where it really counts in classrooms, in policies, and in the lives of students,” added Mr Brown.
In a time when education must evolve to meet the realities of a connected world, his work reminds us that transformation is possible with vision, support, and the courage to ask hard questions.
