Distant and online learning has revolutionized education by expanding the use and availability of knowledge sharing. Carnevale (2000) stated that there is a need to formulate a clear vision of how the higher education system can most effectively contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy. Distant and online learning have provided an open path for educational institutions to fulfill that goal.
Assessment of student learning is a challenge of distant and online learning due to the reduction in student-teacher physical interaction during the teaching and learning experience. In a research study of assessment methods and the online environment, Kerns (2012) found that challenges also arise due to workload and time management issues of online learning students. As an online learning student, I can contest to that.
Current online and mobile assessment methods being used
Authentic assessment, team and peer, online discussion, and formative to name a few. Formative is effective because it provides ongoing assessment. Authentic assessment focuses on the learner’s personal experiences related to the learning. Kelly (2014) suggest incorporating mobile technology into authentic learning. Mobile technology such as video recording allows students to be creative when relating their individual experiences to their learning. Team and peer effectively fosters collaboration, in this class for example, through online discussion.
I believe that online learners are best assessed by doing. Field experiences and presentation of skills achieved are strong assessment tools for online learning students. I consider that assessments serve a dual purpose of helping students receive feedback on their school performance academically and demonstrate if students have achieved learning objectives presented in the curriculum. Teachers can use formative and summative assessments as a guide to analyze student’s progression, and to modify teaching techniques to meet their student’s learning needs.
Kearns, L. R. (2012). Student assessment in online learning: Challenges and effective practices. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 8(3), 198. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1500356017?accountid=12085
Kelly, R. (2014). Alternative Assessment Methods for the Online Classroom. http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/alternative-assessment-methods-online-classroom/
Salmi, J. (2000). Tertiary Education in the Twenty-First Century Challenges and Opportunities. The World Bank. Retrieved from http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2005/06/03/000090341_20050603091517/Rendered/PDF/324370Tertiary0Education0LCSHD062.pdf