Assessing the Online Learner

W.P. Carey Online Academic Services

Time Resources Methods Availability

Current mindset for WPC-all online testing will be conducted online, no campus proctored exams

Online vs. Classroom

Effective assessments must be embedded in and aligned with the design of the course (Angelo & Cross, 1993)◦ Learner centered◦ Teacher-directed◦ Mutually beneficial◦ Formative◦ Context-specific◦ Ongoing◦ Rooted in good practice

Principles of Effective Online Assessment

Design learner-centered assessment that include self-reflection

Design and use grading rubrics for discussion, assignments, projects and collaboration

Use collaborative assignments (peer-reviewed papers)

Encourage students to develop skills in providing feedback by modeling good feedback

Guiding Principles for Online Course Assessment

Use assessment techniques that fit the context and align with the learning objectives

Design assessments that are clear, easy to understand, and likely to work in an online environment

Ask for and incorporate student input into how assessment should be conducted

Guiding Principles for Online Course Assessment Continued

Multiple choice◦ Easy to grade◦ Easy to administer◦ Subject to security issues◦ Test banks need to be large to avoid issues◦ Tend to only test the lower cognitive domains

Short answer/Essay◦ Can test higher cognitive domains◦ Security issues are less ◦ Grading is more difficult

Quizzes and Exams

Assess learning at more frequent intervals Can be linked to Blackboard gradebook Encourage participation Peer-review possible

Discussion Questions

Using any of these can decrease the reliance on testing

Peer-reviews can make grading easier Can link outside work into Blackboard or

Google Docs

Papers, Projects and Group Work

WPC is testing authentication software If using written exams, prior written work in

the classroom can be used for comparison Best practices in online are to have more

assessments with fewer points per assignment

Integrity of Online Assessment

Angelo, T. & Cross, K. P. (1993). Classroom assessment techniques. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Palloff, R. & Pratt, K. (2009). Assessing the online learner. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

References