In their Learning Roadmap for New Online Instructors by the College of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, they point out that online learning allows for more personalized and authentic assessments due to its collaborative nature. In the online environment, the limits of a physical classroom and schedule time limits are removed, providing for more opportunities to demonstrate achievement of course learning objectives. The information here was originally inspired by information shared in COVID-19 faculty support sessions by Boise State’s Center for Teaching and Learning.

How to Assess Online Learning

There are two types of assessment. Formative assessments are designed to help you receive and give feedback that will promote further student learning (e.g., a low-stakes reading quiz that gives students practice in recalling key concepts). Summative assessments allow students to demonstrate their achievement of the learning objectives at the end of the learning process (e.g., a high-stakes cumulative final exam overall course content). When designing assessments for online courses, consider these suggestions:

Use a variety of assessment types. This encourages a more holistic view of student performance and maintains academic integrity through varying formats.
Use low-stakes assessment to track progress over time. A series of quizzes or smaller assignments can identify areas of struggle for students that might be more difficult to identify in an asynchronous environment.
Regularly change and randomize questions when assessing with tests. Sometimes a test will be the best solution to determining if students have acquired knowledge. Randomizing the order of questions and changing the questions regularly can reduce opportunities for cheating.
Provide flexible options in assessment. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) recommends a variety of considerations for learning and assessment; among them, providing multiple means for students to demonstrate their knowledge.

Examples

Four Assessment Options

Selected Response	Tests or Quizzes with multiple choice, multiple answer, true-false, or matching questions.	Tests or Quizzes with multiple choice, multiple answer, true-false, or matching questions
Written Response	Students provide written answers to one or more questions or writing prompts.	Short-answer, fill-in-the-blank, essay questions on tests Discussion boards Blogs Learning journal Written assignments (e.g., essays, research papers)
Performance Assessment	Instructors observe and assess student performance of skills or assess student-created products.	Group projects Student portfolios (websites) Video or audio recordings Screen capture/recording of presentations
Personal Communication	Direct communication with and between students, either in person or through technologies.	Discussion boards Web conferencing Blogs Phone calls Video or audio recordings

Examples of Assessments

Video Recordings	Demonstrate ability to counsel a client Respond to a verbal or written prompt Explain a concept Demonstrate a physical function
Audio Recordings	Explain a concept Record a podcast exploring aspects of a topic Demonstrate vocal ability
Screen Capture	Present a concept Demonstrate a technology procedure Explain processes to solve mathematical equations
Blogs	Share professional examples, which can be utilized after graduation in professional ‘toolbox’ Share opinion pieces demonstrating knowledge of a concept with follow-up questions and discussion from peers Share project results with peer feedback in comments
Websites	Create a portfolio of one’s work Display collection of creative work (e.g., paintings, writing, photography) Demonstrate communication skills, marketing, or public relations tools
Un-essays	Create an UnEssay assignment to assess learning that does not prescribe format. Define the parameters for what must be demonstrated, but leave the way in which it is demonstrated up to the student. Cross stitched, embroidered, or sewn parts of human anatomy Correspondence between historical figures that demonstrate understanding of the time Screenplay addressing gender roles Art piece reflecting a mathematical theory Lesson plan with sample assignments about a scientific theory Athletic training plan for a fictional character Children’s book about civic activities

Related Information

Authentic Assessment in the Online Classroom
Universal Design in a Nutshell from Boise Status University
About Universal Design for Learning by CAST, the Center for Applied Special Technology
Best Practices for Remote Examinations
Learning Roadmap for New Online Instructors by Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering
The UnEssay by Marc Kissel