Assessment in Online Courses: Practical Examples
Ms. Darla RunyonDr. Roger Von Holzen
Northwest Missouri State University
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Heard in the Halls“If we are to be required to assess educational quality and learning by virtue of how long a student sits in a seat…
we have focused on the wrong end of the student.”Laura Palmer Noone
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Heard in the Halls“How do you do online exams?” Question based on notion that online
assessment must follow assessment methods used on campus Not necessarily true
In an online environment Major change to the role of the instructor
Shift from the deliverer of content to student mentor
Function of assessment techniques must also change*
Online Assessment
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An Interactive Mentoring Opportunity
Need to view assessment as a teaching tool and not as an evaluation mechanismUse quizzes and tests as interactive mentoring opportunities Enable students to evaluate their own
progress through the course materials*
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Beyond the RhetoricQuizzes and tests should be viewed as means of promoting learning Open book and extensive testing time
Should be only a small component of the overall assessment strategy for the online course*
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Beyond the RhetoricEvolution from seat-time/credit hours to outcomes-based education as a measure of learning Acknowledging present reality
What matters is whether the student has actually learnedOften difficult to get faculty to change
It can be like herding cats…*
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The New Role of Assessment
Assessment techniques should be based on desired learning outcomesProvides the instructor with: evidence of effectiveness of course
materials indications of content areas that need
further enhancement and/or development*
Assessment Strategies
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Assessment StrategyCumulative processAids in forming student assessment profiles snapshot of student understanding
Profile constructed by: building learning outcomes based on
critical course content use of applicable assessment methods to
determine student’s understanding of learning outcomes*
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Assessment StrategyProvides guidance to further develop conceptual frameworkContinuous process (formative)
Tegrity Quiz
Should guide the student to mastery of the learning outcomesAssessment strategy becomes foundation for developing the instructional design of the online course*
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Learning OutcomesDetermine critical course content Discern what the students should know
or accomplish based on the critical content What must the student know in order to
function in authentic situations? Decide what evidence is acceptable as
proof of knowledge or accomplishment of the learning outcome Selected student performance must furnish
the method of assessment of critical content*
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Communication of Learning Outcomes
Include in syllabusList in course introductory moduleList for each individual module or unitConvey in related activities and assignments*
Modular Learning Objective
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Assessment Strategy Steps1. Integrate new assessment
techniques and develop an overall assessment strategy
2.Administer pre-assessment Provides guidance in the
development of appropriate learning activities*
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Assessment Strategy Steps3. Present critical concepts through
interactive, instructional concept activities
Design a learning cycle process which should include
content and concept deliveryconcept applicationperformance feedbackopportunities for relearning*
Learning Cycle
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Assessment Strategy Steps
Develop the learning cycle by incorporating appropriate instructional technology techniques and tools*
Chemistry Feedback
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Assessment Strategy Steps4.Punctuate course with short
assessment opportunities Provide student with performance feedback on learning concepts and activities
Provide a diverse array of assessment methods to reflect student understanding of the learning outcomes
Provide opportunities for relearning and reassessment*
Medical Terminology
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Assessment Strategy Steps5.Develop a post-assessment
(summative) Provides evaluation of the overall student performance
Indicates ultimate mastery of critical content and ability to incorporate content into appropriate situations*
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Online AssessmentTraditional methods should only be a small component of the overall assessment strategy Learning outcomes should be assessed using applicable assessment techniquesOnline delivery provides an environment conducive to incorporating a diverse array of assessment techniques strategies that may be employed across a
variety of course subject areas*
Music Art
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Online AssessmentFlexibility of delivery allows for a more student-centered approach to assessment and feedback*
Chat AssessmentHistory
Academic Dishonesty
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Course Design and Development
Faculty need to discuss and develop new perspectives on assessmentGood course design will inhibit academic dishonestyIssues pertaining to academic dishonesty and conduct in an online course should be examined and communicated*
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Academic PoliciesAcademic dishonesty and honor code policies should be clearly stated early in the course Include in the course syllabus
Incorporate a student agreement*
Student Agreement
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Dealing with PlagiarismA paper or project development process should be followed Paper or Project Prospectus
A brief, structured first-draft plan for a term paper or term project
Submission of rough drafts
Communicate with students to learn their writing style*
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Proctored ExamsSome situations may require on-site examinationsExpenses and effort involved must be considered*
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Assessment in Online Courses
Even with all of this support and planningat times you feel like you’re building on a wing and a prayer…
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Our final words of wisdom:
Think outside the classroom©
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Dr. Roger Von Holzen, DirectorCenter for Information Technology in [email protected]
Ms. Darla RunyonAssistant Director/Curriculum Design SpecialistCenter for Information Technology in [email protected]
http://cite.nwmissouri.edu/presentations
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