Keep in mind there are direct, indirect, and self-assessment types – formative and summative assessments – and each measure success in a different way and add value in the online environment. There are many different ways to assess student knowledge you can include both low-stakes and high-stakes assessments online:
- Discussions
- Assignments (consider including rubrics)
- Wiki and blogs
- Groupwork
- Case Study Analysis
- Project based learning
- Student presentations
- Research activities
- Papers (research, reaction, etc.)
- Quizzes
- One-minute Feedback
- High stake exams
The faculty subject matter expert determines how often an assessment is necessary, and where the assessment will be located in the flow of content. Remember, assessments must accomplish three things:
- Cover course learning outcome
- Cover module learning objectives
- Take into consideration the performance, criterion, and condition of each outcome.
While tests and quizzes are often the primary means of checking student understanding, alternative assessments, such as a summative assessment, that does not require proctoring can be used. Alternative assessment methods such as collaborative assignments, case studies, e-portfolio, project-based learning, and debates can be implemented in online courses and can serve to provide more substantive insight into what each student has learned.
Below, is a webinar recording from the Department of Online Education & Support reviewing alternative assessments methods.
