Teaching Online: ASSESS
Learn more about methods and factors related to assessing student learning in your course, and the tools and resources we have here at UD to assist you.Assessing Student Learning
(Read Time: ~4 Minutes)
Planning how students will practice their skills and demonstrate their learning is embedded in every step of the course development process. However, in an online learning environment, options abound for assessing student learning, though they may look and feel a bit different.
When determining what manner of assessment works best for your high-stakes assignments, consider the following key design questions. These can help you determine the best method for assessing your student’ learning.
- Could an assessment be a project or paper rather than an exam?
- Could an open-book exam be created?
- Is it a large enrollment course (more than 60 students)?
- Is the course hybrid or fully online?
- Is the exam computer-based or paper-based?
- Does the exam have a component that requires hand-drawing?
- Does the course have TAs?
- Are there any students living abroad who are participating in the course remotely?
Assessment Options for Online Courses
Depending on the students, course modality (online vs. hybrid), and class schedule, an instructor may need to have a combination of assessment solutions in their course. These solutions may be attributed to high or low stakes, be alternative or not, and be graded or ungraded. In addition, courses may have to offer multiple assessment options to support students abroad, students out of state, and students residing in Delaware. Alternative assessments are the most flexible option. Examples of alternative assessments include portfolios, case studies, projects, research papers, video quizzes, project- or team-based learning, and graded discussions. These often do not require strong internet access, which can be a problem for some students. Especially if a class has 60 students or less, first consider whether you can provide an alternative assignment rather than an exam. The table below provides an overview of assessment options to consider.
Assessment Resources
- From Center for Teaching and Assessment of Learning:
- From Disability Support Services:
- From Professional and Continuing Studies:
- Assessment & Proctoring Options for Online Courses
- Guidance for Instructors Administering Live, Asynchronous Proctored Exams
- UD Online Testing Center Website – Exam guidelines and scheduling for faculty
- Online Learning Identity Authentication
- UD Online Orientation for Students
- UD Online Testing Center Website – Information for students
- From Office of Student Conduct:
- From University of Delaware Faculty:
- The Moral and Pedagogical Argument Against Plagiarism-detecting Software – Christine Cucciarre, Department of English, UD
- Academic Integrity Literature Review – Al Cavalier, School of Education, UD
- Alternatives to Traditional Testing – UC Berkeley
- Alternatives to Traditional Exams and Papers – Indiana University
- Finding the Balance: Creating Meaningful Assignments Without Overwhelming Instructional Workload> – Journal of Educators Online
- Tips for Exams and Alternative Assessments – Rutgers University
- Giving Exams Online: Strategies & Tools – Vanderbilt University, Center for Teaching
- Fostering Integrative Learning and Reflection through “Signature Assignments” – Association of American Colleges & Universities
- Fourteen Simple Strategies to Reduce Cheating on Online Examinations – Faculty Focus
⇒ I got it! Take me to the next step. I’m ready to FILL my course with content.
