Best Practices for Student Learning Assessment in Online Courses

When we hear the terms "test" or "examination" certain feelings are invoked, such as fear and anxiety. We are about as happy to complete a test as we are to go to the doctor or the dentist. Despite our anxieties, we know the importance of completing assessments or evaluations of students' performance. The multiple consumers of our educational processes, be they students, alumni, parents, employers or society, demand accountability on the part of the institutions of higher education. Doing student learning assessment and doing it well responds effectively to these demands. As we continue to evolve in how we deliver our programs of study, we have adopted the broader concept of assessment. Assessment of student learning has moved beyond the stagnant paper and pencil examination to an engaging, interactive assessment process, in particular in online learning. Embedded within courses, for example, are quizzes, case studies, discussion boards, scholarly papers, and reflective journals. All of these assessments provide valuable information regarding student attainment of learning objectives. During this presentation the participants will review formative and summative assessment and the use of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy in creating sound and measureable student learning outcomes. Multiple examples of assessments will be provided including discussion of the characteristics of the assessment's advantages and disadvantages. When creating student learning assessments, we should be mindful of various student learning styles and encourage the use of a variety of types of assessment. Specific examples of student learning assessments used by Excelsior College and SUNY Empire State College's nursing programs will also be provided. For example, we will discuss use of simulation, reflective journaling, case studies and performance assessment. The importance of using scoring rubrics as a means to mitigate bias and grade inflation will also be discussed. The participants will leave the session with ready to use tips and tools for developing student learning assessments in online courses.