Assessing Online Learning
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. |
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Performance Assessment | Instructors observe and assess student performance of skills or assess student-created products. |
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Personal Communication | Direct communication with and between students, either in person or through technologies. |
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Examples of Assessments
Video Recordings |
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Audio Recordings |
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Screen Capture |
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Blogs |
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Websites |
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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.
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Related Information
Universal Design in a Nutshell from Boise Status University
About Universal Design for Learning by CAST, the Center for Applied Special Technology
Learning Roadmap for New Online Instructors by Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering
The UnEssay by Marc Kissel
Need more help? Try eCampus Center Faculty Development.
Suggest more topics by contacting onlinecourseresource@boisestate.edu.