From Mapping to Action: SmartRubrics, an AI Tool for Competency-Based Assessment in Engineering Education

Jorge Hochstetter-Diez, Marlene Negrier-Seguel (), Mauricio Diéguez-Rebolledo, Esteban Candia-Garrido and Elizabeth Vidal
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Jorge Hochstetter-Diez: Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Marlene Negrier-Seguel: Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Mauricio Diéguez-Rebolledo: Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Esteban Candia-Garrido: Engineering Informatic Program, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Elizabeth Vidal: Escuela Profesional de Ingeniería de Sistemas, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04000, Peru

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-27

Abstract: Competency-based assessment in engineering education is becoming increasingly critical as the profession faces rapid technological advances and the growing need for cross-cutting competencies. This paper introduces SmartRubrics, an AI-based tool designed to support the automated generation of competency-based assessment rubrics. The development of this tool is based on a systematic literature mapping study conducted between 2019 and 2024, which identified key gaps, such as the limited integration of digital tools and the under-representation of transversal skills in current assessment practices. By addressing these gaps, SmartRubrics aims to support the standardisation, accessibility, and potential enhancement of competency-based assessment practices, aligned with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). Preliminary testing of the prototype with computer science educators has provided valuable information on the effectiveness of the tool and areas for improvement. Future work includes further experimental validation in real educational settings to assess the impact of the tool on teaching and learning practices.

Keywords: competency-based assessment; engineering education; transversal skills; digital tools; AI tools; systematic mapping; inclusive education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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