Learning Objectives:
· Describe performance-based alternative assessment techniques that can be used in online and blended courses and state the potential benefits of each technique.
· Determine assessment techniques to improve instruction by integrating new technology tools and the assessment strategies that are most effective in an online or blended course environment.
· Apply methods for assessing learner performance and mapping appropriate assessment methods to instructional strategies and learning objectives.
· Describe current technology tools that can be used to create alternative assessments, discourse analysis, self and peer evaluation, rubrics, online surveys, tests and quizzes for self-paced learning.
Discuss research-based practices for selecting and implementing assessment techniques to minimize academic dishonesty such as plagiarism and cheating, and support ethics, community building, and team trust. Assessment and evaluation are vehicles for educational improvement. For decades educators at all levels have practiced traditional assessment methods such as term-paper, tests, or examinations to evaluate students, rank them, and assign a final grade. However, this assessment method has failed due to the technological advances that created paradigm shifts in respect to students' expectations, the transition to online delivery, and teaching methods aimed at producing student-centered learning environments. As a result, students have become more involved in exploration, discovery, or problem-based learning that requires performance-based modes of evaluation and assessment in the online environment. To obtain valid and reliable measures of learning in the technology-oriented environment we need to move from traditional assessment toward performance-based modes of evaluation. Online instructors need training for gaining in-depth knowledge of effective alternative assessment techniques with appropriate measures that will help them bridge the gap between assessment techniques and their teaching methods.
This workshop will present traditional and performance-based alternative assessment techniques that are most effective in an online teaching and learning environment. Specific assessment examples will include projects, e-portfolios, self-assessments, peer evaluations, tests and mini-quizzes for self-paced learning, and weekly assignments with immediate feedback. Through small group activities, participants will match teaching methods and appropriate assessment techniques for better alignment, analyze rubric based scoring tools and performance assessment check lists, and identify advantages and challenges of alternative assessment techniques. The workshop will also discuss flaws in the assessment processes, deficiencies in course content and resources, assessor ability or shortcomings, students' lack of preparedness or other student- related factors including integrity violation, plagiarism, and cheating.
Workshop Agenda, Topics/Activities (3 hours) Step 1 (5 minutes): Welcome and Introductions Step 2 (15 minutes): Group Profiles Step 3 (20 minutes): Didactic Slide Presentation: Overview of Online Assessment. - What is assessment and why do we do it? - Defining and describing alternative assessment - Using Bloom's Taxonomy to align assessments and objectives Step 4 (15 minutes): Small Group Activity. Assessment Case Study. Working in small groups, participants will: 1. Read an assessment case study (provided). 2. Develop four measurable outcomes using action verbs associated with specific levels of Bloom's taxonomy. Step 5 (10 minutes): Large Group Activity. Groups report their outcomes to the larger group for recording/future reference. Step 6 (25 minutes): Didactic Slide Presentation: Aligning Assessments with Outcomes - The basics of effective online assessments - Options for alternative assessment in online education - The importance of rubrics - Examples of assessment activities and rubrics Step 7 (10 minutes): Break Step 8 (40 minutes): Small Group Activity: Design an Assessment and Rubric. Working in small groups and using the outcomes written for the assessment case study, participants will. 1. Create an alternative assessment activity that aligns with the outcomes identified previously. 2. Create a rubric for grading the alternative assessment activity. Step 9 (10 minutes): Presentation of group findings. Each group will present their work to the larger group and share their findings. Step 10 (20 minutes): Didactic Slide Presentation and Discussion: Promoting Academic Integrity Using Alternative Assessments. - Present techniques and tools for deterring academic dishonesty such as plagiarism and cheating. - Discuss problems and potential strategies for overcoming issues related to academic dishonesty Step 11 (10 minutes): End of session. Wrap-Up Workshop Evaluation
