By – Deva Narayan
3rd August 2024: The online learning landscape has created new challenges for gauging student success. Traditional assessment techniques, such as exams and papers, don’t always translate well to the virtual classroom. Developing new mechanisms to accurately measure student progress and student outcomes is critical in an online classroom setting.
One of the conceptually simple but operationally complex innovations impacting the way we assess specifically in online classrooms is the use of formative assessment. As opposed to summative assessment—an assessment that takes place at the end of an instructional unit or period—formative assessments are low-stakes assignments and activities embedded within instruction that provide students with feedback on their strengths and weaknesses throughout a course.
Common examples include frequent comprehension checks (via quizzes or short answer questions), opportunistic activities designed for active reflection-on-learning; think-pair-share exercises; polling questions, or other interactive tools integrated into video lectures or synchronous meetings between professors and students.
Another effective method is to include e-portfolios in the course design. E-portfolios offer students the possibility to collect their work and thoughts during a given period, showing what they have learned or achieved, providing material for self-assessment and reflection, and making environments more visible as objects of thought. The different kinds of artifacts that can be included in an e-portfolio (e.g. written assignments, multimedia products, and also reviews) provide a multifaceted image of students’ competencies.
Using peer feedback and/or peer-reviewed assignments in computer-supported environments is not new either. Students are asked to discuss educational topics using a computer conferencing system like FirstClass or WebCT while teachers read some postings at least on this system. As these examples show, activating student participation does not necessarily result from using special tools but depends rather on how they are used.
Adaptive learning technologies are changing the game when it comes to measuring student success. Leveraging data analytics, these technologies personalize the learning experience by assessing how well a student is doing and tracking their progress with material over time. The system identifies areas where individual students need help most, and adjusts content based on that information, ensuring students are challenged but not overwhelmed while achieving higher overall success.
The inclusion of gamified assessments in online learning does more than increase student enjoyment. Gamified assessments use point scoring, awarding badges, and creating leaderboards to ensure an element of competition is retained. When used as part of an assessment process, this can provide instant feedback on performance and tangible rewards for progress which will increase motivation and persistence among students and thus improve overall retention.
Moreover, to ensure adherence to online courses, ongoing feedback and communication among teachers and students is essential. Feedback that is immediate and thorough helps to keep students on track as well as make any necessary modifications to their style of learning. To maintain likemindedness for all grade levels there are communication tools such as discussion boards, chat rooms, and teleconferencing available.
In conclusion, the shift to online learning necessitates innovative assessment methods to accurately measure student success. Formative assessments, e-portfolios, peer assessments, adaptive learning technologies, gamification, analytics, virtual simulations, and effective communication are all vital components of a comprehensive assessment strategy. By embracing these innovative methods, educators can ensure that students are not only achieving academic success but also developing the skills and knowledge needed for their future endeavors.