A range of assessment strategies
The online learning and assessment environment suggests additional
challenges for the design and delivery of assessment.
Some considerations for the online environment may include:
- Assessment strategies for formative and summative
assessment purposes
- Use of online assessment – purchased or in house.
Use of commercial products – licence, purchase agreements
- Task design for online assessment activity
Integrating assessment and learning
Current research and literature in online learning highlight
the importance of the integration of assessment and learning.
Assessment design (diagnostic, formative and summative) is
best incorporated at the course planning and design stages.
Formative assessment is a critical consideration in online
learning. It is often used to provide the building blocks
for learning.
Providing learner feedback
Feedback to learners in online learning needs to be timely
and personal. Provision of feedback to learners may
be via email, bulleting boards and discussion forums
as well as through self assessment activities. Designing
feedback processes and assigning staff are important
considerations in the planning stages for online learning and
assessment.
Authenticity of student performance in online
learning.
A range of issues and considerations exist in relation to
assessment in the online environment.
They include:
*authenticity of student performance
*security of assessment tools and events
*procedures and policy documents for both staff and learners
deal with verification processes
*policies relating
to plagiarism and cheating available to students
*signed Student Agreements to confirm learners
understanding and agreement to RTO policies.
In a technology enhanced assessment system, planning and
policy documents may identify contingency planning for
technology breakdown. (see Standard 1.8 )
Provision of support for online learners before, during and
after assessments is an essential ingredient in this
learning environment.
Commercial assessment tools
A large range of commercial assessment tool software
is now available to assist designers and practitioners
develop assessment activities. Some learning platforms incorporate
assessment tools, others facilitate 'plug ins'. Developers
need to assess their needs prior to purchasing software.
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Examples of evidence of compliance
Planning documents for course development and design.
Design statements for web site and resources
Mapping of course components against units of competence
Student information pages refer to the names and codes for
national qualifications
Examples of formative assessment tools and tasks
Service standards for RTO course delivery staff
Information notices to staff
Copies of email interactions between staff and learners
Bulletin board downloads
Examples of evidence of compliance
Assessment policy documents on web site
Verification tools such as signed student agreements
Security policies and procedural documents
Risk assessment plan
Technology plan
Staff statement of duties
Assessment information to learners
Purchase or licence agreement for computerised assessment
tools
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