What is Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE)

The digital transformation of English for academic purposes (EAP) settings has gained momentum as a result of innovations in educational technology. Both face-to-face and remote instruction witnessed the use of various online tools to support language learning. Based on recent research findings, this chapter discusses specific ways online formative assessment could and should be used when engaging students in critical discussion of the reading content, checking their reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition, facilitating the peer assessment process for writing, and providing teacher feedback. It is concluded with a critical discussion of the most pertinent challenges researchers and practitioners are likely to encounter, including, but not limited to, monitoring and managing peer interactions and ensuring progress-oriented peer feedback, and creating formative assessments that go beyond prompting learners to select an instructor-written choice statement in multiple-choice quizzes towards involving critical thinking.