CHALLENGES OF EFFECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF ONLINE LEARNERS

Abstract

Educators at all levels are paying attention to ever challenging demands of teaching across distance. One of the most debatable issues in this respect remains assessment. This paper aims to address some challenges of effective assessment of online learners. Some valuable insights will be provided with reference to summative and formative assessment. The article also introduces some important skills to be possessed by learners of the twenty-first century, supported by examples of online assessment activities that support such skills and correspond to the realities of online learning. Continuous reference will be made to students’ feedback as a way of assessment in and for learning. Throughout the article assessment is considered as an essential element to support the continuous evolution of online learning.