Assessment Focus

Assessment Environment

Our conception of “assessment” may be based on the traditional exit-exam model where students who have studied long and hard bring their memories to bear against a daunting series of questions that dare the students to do well. This counts as assessment.

However, one of the most significant advantages in online instruction is the ability to pay attention to far more than just that final exam. Students may be observed and their triumphs and challenges noticed and addressed, often in real-time, as they approach their work.

In this section we will describe a host of alternatives for understanding that meaningful assessment is an ongoing, sophisticated interaction designed to help the instructor instruct and help the students learn. Meaningful assessment is a dialogue in nature as the ongoing feedback can be used to direct needed attention to neglected or tough areas while preventing unnecessary repetition.

Assessment is about paying attention, and having the tools in place to do this well. Many online materials can provide a stream of measurable data to inform the instructor about progress and mastery of individuals and classes and entire populations. The possibilities within this field are both exciting and much needed.