Online Learning and Assessment Solutions

           Chapter eight discusses online learning and assessment solutions.  It emphasizes the emerging role of assessment in the delivery of instruction from remote locations.  It discusses distance learning assessment issues, online assessment tools, aspects of security and authentication of test takers, alternative online assessment strategies, and evaluation of online student participation.

            There are many issues with distance learning assessment.  The book thoroughly discusses four of them.  Conducting a formal assessment transparently is a tricky arrangement in the traditional classroom.  An online assessment’s format can more closely match the subject matter to the students’ learning preferences.  Online assessment can be delivered as text, audio, graphics, or video, which means the instructor can design the most appropriate assessment that matches the online course media.  The last issue is authentic authorship in an online assessment is critical.

            There are online assessment tools that are used in online courses.  Stand-alone assessment software can be used which serves three purposes.  They reduce the time and cost in developing and maintaining web-based assessment tools; the exist for institutions that want to augment traditional on-campus courses or in-house training programs; and an assessment package can be added to distance learning courses that primarily function through e-mail discussion complemented by news groups or mailing lists.  There is also text-analysis software which analyzes and grades student writing based on text-recognition.  Teachers should evaluate online assessment software across eight dimensions which are versatility, adaptability, scope, responsiveness, flexibility, security, availability, and suitability.

            There are many security and authentication of test takers in online courses.  Verifying online authorship can be used which can use fingerprint recognition, voice authentication, online signature systems, and biometric system applications.  There are also issues of plagiarism and cheating.  There are many resources that can be used to check the authenticity of essays and previous essays.  I have had many teachers use programs to make sure we were not copying previous papers.

            There are also alternative online assessment strategies.  These include scratch-test, test-correction tactic, bid tests, and vignettes, and web-based portfolios.  I have actually used some of these various types of assessment strategies in previous online courses.  Personally, I like to have options when I am taking a test and I like when the teacher changes up the assessment format.

            I feel as if this chapter is more for college level educators.  I am not sure if many high school teachers really use online courses.  I know that if I ever teach an online course I will know what type of programs and forms of assessment to use.

Maeder, Dale, W. (2007). Online Learning and Assessment Solutions. In M.L. Bush (Ed.), Assessment for an Evolving Business Education Curriculum (pp. 102-116). Reston, VA: National Business Education Association