Assessment Strategies for Online Learning: Engagement and Authenticity

Abstract

The book is not intended to be a step by step guide to developing assessment tools; instead, it offers a well-informed discussion of topics that are pertinent to understanding assessment in the online learning forum. The first three chapters of the text offer a historical context of the evolution of online learning theory from a focus on the physical separation between teacher and student, and the use of technology, to being centered today around the learner and the full online learning experience. Limitations identified in the examples include: limited opportunities or requirements for learners to engage with one another; attempts to transfer traditional face to face evaluations methods into an online forum; and, gaps between stated learning outcomes and evaluation methods and values.